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The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has declared that Enugu State is fully prepared to host a successful and memorable 23rd National Sports Festival later this year.
Olopade gave the assurance after a three-day inspection of sporting facilities and other preparations for the Games in Enugu, where he commended the state government and residents for the enthusiasm, infrastructure development and level of involvement in the event.
According to the NSC Director General, the growing excitement across the Coal City has provided further evidence that Enugu is ready to welcome athletes and officials from across the country.
“Every time we’ve been to Enugu, we’ve been able to leave with satisfaction. Aside from the huge enthusiasm from the Executive Governor, you’d see that there’s something brewing amongst the people,” Olopade said.
He revealed that more than 500 caterers and over 500 volunteers had already registered to contribute to the Games, describing the level of community participation as an indication that the Festival would deliver benefits beyond the sporting arena.
Olopade, who doubles as Chairman of the Main Organising Committee, said the return of the National Sports Festival to the South East after 28 years offers an important opportunity to promote national unity and inclusivity.
“This Games is about inclusivity, nation-building and what President Bola Tinubu has always preached, that Nigeria belongs to all of us,” he stated, urging the media to properly showcase the significance of the South East hosting the Festival after such a long absence.
The inspection also covered major sporting facilities, with Olopade expressing satisfaction with the progress recorded. He described the International Conference Centre as world-class and noted the ongoing rehabilitation and development of the swimming pool and Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.
“The inspection of the last few days reinforced my belief that Enugu is ready. The people, the infrastructure and the buzz are all there. At the International Conference Centre, what I saw was world class, we’re building a world-class swimming pool, the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium is being put into shape, and we’re excited,” he said.
The National Sports Festival is Nigeria’s premier domestic multi-sport competition, bringing together athletes from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to compete for honours while promoting talent development, unity and national pride.
The Coal City Games is also expected to serve as a major talent-identification platform, providing opportunities to discover athletes who could represent Nigeria at international competitions in the future.
The 23rd National Sports Festival will hold from November 27 to December 11, with Enugu set to host more than 10,000 athletes and officials from across the country in what promises to be one of Nigeria’s biggest sporting events of the year.
