Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, has officially inaugurated the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the 2026 National Sports Festival (NSF), assembling a high-profile team of respected sports administrators and professionals to deliver what he described as a “world-class” event.

Among the notable names on the LOC are 1996 Olympic bronze medalist and former sprint queen, Mary Onyali, and the Chief Operating Officer of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), Davidson Owumi, who is also a former General Manager of Rangers International FC.

The LOC, chaired by Enugu State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Barr. Lloyd Ekweremadu, also includes Bamiduro Olumide, a retired Director of Elite Athletes Development at the National Sports Commission; Aku Aghazu, a legal practitioner with a specialty in sports management; a representative of Nilayo Sports Management Ltd; and the Chief Operating Officer of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Blessing Ekwe.

Other members are senior personnel from the Enugu State Ministry of Youth and Sports, including the Director of Organising, Director of Coaching Ephraim Ochomma, and Obiora Obasi. Also on the list are the Chairman of the Enugu State Football Association, Tony Ugwu, and the President of the Modern Pentathlon Federation of Nigeria, Jonathan Nnaji.

Inaugurating the committee at the Government House, Governor Mbah said the state is not only ready to host the 2026 games but intends to raise the bar in the organisation of national sporting events in Nigeria.

“We want to set the standard because we are Enugu,” Mbah declared. “This is not just about hosting, but about giving the nation and the global sporting community a memorable experience. I am pleased with the caliber of individuals on this committee—their reputations in the industry speak volumes.”

Governor Mbah highlighted the state’s readiness, drawing from past experience hosting the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup and the recent Enugu City International Marathon. He revealed that plans are already underway to upgrade key infrastructure, particularly the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, which he said would undergo a complete transformation.

“You are not going to recognise the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium by the time we are done,” the governor assured. “We are also constructing new sporting facilities, including a purpose-built aquatic centre and a state-of-the-art Agwu Games Village that will meet international standards.”

The LOC has been mandated to oversee all aspects of the festival’s planning and execution, including compliance with national sporting regulations, coordination of subcommittees, and ensuring the readiness of facilities, especially athlete accommodations.

Responding on behalf of the LOC, Chairman Lloyd Ekweremadu thanked the governor for the confidence reposed in the team. He promised that the committee would deliver on the vision of a first-class festival and ensure that Enugu not only plays host but also emerges victorious.

“We are committed to delivering a festival that will be the benchmark for future editions,” Ekweremadu said. “Our mandate is clear, and we will work tirelessly to exceed expectations. Enugu will host to win.”

Ekweremadu also presented to Governor Mbah the official NSF flag, symbolically handed over to Enugu State by Ogun State, hosts of the recently concluded 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival.

With preparations now officially underway, all eyes turn to Enugu as the countdown to Nigeria’s premier multi-sport event begins.