Enugu has facilities to host 2026 National Sports Festival – Director
From Felix Ikem, Nsukka
The Director of Sports, Enugu State Ministry for Youths and Sport, Mr Boniface Onovo, has said that the state has the potential and the necessary facilities to host the 2026 National Sports Festival (NSF)
Onovo disclosed this to newsmen in Nsukka on Wednesday shortly after he conducted officials from the Federal Ministry of Sport Development, Abuja and Nilayo Sports Management Limited (NSML) Lagos, consultant of Enugu State 2024 marathon and Enugu States bidding for 2026 national sports festival, around sports facilities available in Enugu North Senatorial District.
He said that the Enugu state government is bidding to host the 2026 edition of the NSF because the state has all it requires to host the sports festival.
“Officials from the Federal Ministry of Sport Development, Abuja, and NSML Lagos are satisfied with the sports facilities in Enugu North Senatorial District.
“They inspected Nsukka township stadium, Akanu Ibiam Stadium, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, among others other sports facilities in the area,” he said.
The Director noted that the officials will also visit other sports facilities in the Awgu area of the state and Enugu capital territory.
“After the inspection, we will submit our report to the Commissioner for Youths and Sport, Lloyd Ekweremadu, who will in turn forward it to the State Governor, Peter Mbah, as an instrument for the bidding,” he said.
Onovo explained that if the state secures the bid it will go a long way to boost economic tourism, expansion of existing sports facilities in the state, as well as marketing the sport potential and achievements of the State to the entire world.
“If Enugu State wins the hosting right of the sports festival it will not only boost the state economy, it will also attract sports tourists, and expose more youths to sports activities.
“It will also accord us the opportunity to showcase our rich culture, economic potential of our state, and our unique sense of hospitality,” he said.
He appealed to the people of the State both at home and in the diaspora to support Gov Mbah’s bid for the state to host the 2026 NSF.
“Gov Mbah has demonstrated in words and actions since assumption of office on May 29, 2023, that he is youth and sports-friendly.
“The recent victory of Rangers Football International in winning the 2023 National League trophy is an eloquent testimony of the governor’s commitment to youths and sport,” he said.
our reporter gathered that the major aim of the NSF is to foster unity and ensure talent development in sports in the country.
