Governor Mbah Unveils LOC for 2026 National Sports Festival

Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has officially announced the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the 23rd National Sports Festival, scheduled to take place in 2026.

In a statement, Governor Mbah emphasized that the committee members were carefully selected based on their competence, excellence, and contributions to the sports sector. He expressed confidence in their ability to organize a world-class sporting event.

The Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Lloyd Ike Ekweremadu Jr., will serve as the Chairman of the LOC. Under his leadership, the committee is expected to deliver a festival that meets international standards while showcasing Enugu’s commitment to sports development.

The committee comprises seasoned sports professionals, including:

• Bamiduro Olumide – Former badminton champion
• Mary Onyali – Olympian
• Aku Aghazu – Lawyer specializing in sports management
• Victor Okorie – Elite athletes’ representative, Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN)
• Blessing Chisalam Ekwe – Chief Operating Officer, Badminton Federation of Nigeria & FIFA-licensed agent
• Davidson Owumi – COO, Nigeria Professional Football League & former GM, Enugu Rangers FC
• Tony Ugwu – Chairman, Enugu Football Association
• Henry Chinedu Okorie – Executive member, Nigeria Olympics Committee & Chairman, Nigeria Athletics Athletes Commission
• Jonathan Nnaji – President, Nigeria Modern Pentathlon Federation & VP, Africa Modern Pentathlon Confederation
• Boniface Onovo – Director of Organizing, Enugu State Ministry of Youth and Sports
• Ephraim Ochonma – Director of Coaching, Enugu State Ministry of Youth and Sports
• Obiora Obasi – Technical Advisor, Commissioner of Youth and Sports

Governor Mbah expressed optimism about the event, stating that Enugu will deliver a historic and memorable National Sports Festival.

As preparations begin, the Enugu State government remains committed to making the 2026 National Sports Festival a benchmark for sporting excellence in Nigeria.