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Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has firmly assured that the 23rd National Sports Festival, Enugu 2026, will take place as planned, ordering immediate action on pending preparations and daily monitoring of progress in all areas.
Mbah gave the directive on Wednesday when the Advisory Team of the Main Organizing Committee (MOC), led by consultant Dr. Kweku Tandoh, paid a strategic working visit to the Enugu State Government House to brief him on the preparations for the Coal City Games.
After extensive deliberations, the Governor directed the immediate resolution of the issues raised by the advisory team and constituted a monitoring team that will provide him with daily updates on the progress of the work.
The governor also ordered the immediate activation of the Local Organizing Committee Secretariat as the operational center of the Games, along with the activation of all LOC subcommittees.
In a move aimed at improving efficiency, Mbah approved the reduction of subcommittees from 19 to 13, saying the simplified structure would improve coordination and accountability.
Most importantly, the governor made it clear that the Games would not be postponed.
He assured the delegation that all sporting infrastructure for the festival, including the Games Village and competition venues, would be completed before the November 27 start date.
The National Sports Commission has already confirmed that the Coal City Games will take place from November 27 to December 11, 2026, with the arrival of the states scheduled for November 25 and 26.
Mbah also led the immediate activation of the festival’s media, advertising and marketing campaigns to generate nationwide awareness, enthusiasm and mobilization ahead of the Games.
The Governor further expressed his desire to hold regular meetings with the MOC Advisory Team to review progress and quickly address any challenges that may impact delivery.
The development comes as Enugu intensifies work on major facilities including the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Awgu Games Village and aquatic facilities. The NSC recently expressed confidence in the state’s preparations, although some places still need finishing touches.
The 2026 edition is particularly significant as it marks the first time that Enugu State will host the National Sports Festival, and only the second venue in the South East since Imo hosted the Games in 1998.
The advisory team, which included Dr Emmanuel Igbinosa, Sunday Odebode, Idowu Oladipupo and LOC Secretary General, Olumide Bamiduro, conveyed the goodwill of the NSC Director General and MOC Chairman, Bukola Olopade, to Governor Mbah.
The delegation commended Enugu for accepting the responsibility of hosting and assured the governor of the NSC and the full cooperation of the MOC.
With the governor now demanding daily progress reports and insisting that there will be no change in dates, Enugu 2026 has entered a decisive countdown, with preparations under close watch.
