23rd National Sports Festival: MOC Advisory Team Holds Strategic Meeting With Enugu State Governor

The Main Organizing Committee (MOC) Advisory Team for the 23rd National Sports Festival, Enugu 2026, on Wednesday, paid a strategic working visit to the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, at the Enugu State Government House, Enugu.

Led by Dr. Kweku Tandoh, Consultant to the MOC, the primary objective of the visit was to provide the Governor with a comprehensive briefing on the current state of preparations, highlight milestones achieved so far by the MOC and LOC, and bring to his attention critical areas requiring immediate executive intervention to ensure that the Festival is delivered to international standards, on schedule and in line with the vision of the National Sports Commission.

Following extensive deliberations, Governor Mbah responded with clear directives and firm assurances aimed at accelerating preparations for the Games.

He directed immediate action on all issues raised during the meeting and constituted a monitoring team to provide him with daily updates on the progress of work across all fronts.

He further ordered the immediate activation of the LOC Secretariat to serve as the operational hub for all Festival activities.

He also directed the immediate composition and activation of all LOC subcommittees. In the spirit of efficiency and in alignment with global best practices, His Excellency approved the streamlining of the subcommittees from 19 to 13 to ensure better coordination and accountability.

Reaffirming the commitment of his administration, His Excellency declared categorically that the Games will not suffer any postponement.

He assured that all sporting infrastructure earmarked for the Festival, including the Games Village and competition venues, will be ready and delivered ahead of the commencement of the Games.

To drive awareness and national excitement, the Governor directed the immediate activation of all media, publicity and marketing strategies to commence nationwide sensitisation, promotion and mobilization for the Games.

Demonstrating hands-on leadership, His Excellency also expressed his desire to hold regular interface meetings with the MOC Advisory Team to review progress, address challenges promptly and ensure that Enugu State remains fully on track for a successful hosting.

The team assured the Governor of the unwavering commitment and full support of the National Sports Commission and the MOC to work in close synergy with the Enugu State Government.

The goal, they emphasised, is to deliver a peaceful, well-organised and memorable 23rd National Sports Festival that will showcase the talents of Nigerian athletes and the rich cultural heritage of Enugu State and the South-East region.

The high-level delegation was led by Dr. Kweku Tandoh, Consultant to the MOC, and had in attendance Dr. Emmanuel Igbinosa, also Consultant to the MOC; Mr. Sunday Odebode; Mr. Idowu Oladipupo; and Mr. Olumide Bamiduro, Secretary-General of the Local Organising Committee (LOC).

The Advisory Team conveyed the warm greetings and goodwill message of the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC) and Chairman of the MOC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, to His Excellency, Governor Peter Mbah.

The team commended the Governor and the good people of Enugu State for graciously accepting to host the 23rd edition of the National Sports Festival.

They noted that this will be the first time since the Imo ’98 Games that a South-East state will have the honour of hosting Nigeria’s biggest multi-sports event.