By Sylvia Kodilichukwu, Enugu
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has inaugurated the Coal City 2026 Games Local Organising Committee (LOC) charging its members to organise a successful, world-class festival.
Inaugurating the committee at Government House, Enugu, he expressed confidence in the membership of the committee, noting the readiness of the State to showcase Enugu to the world.
“Enugu State is a home of sports excellence and sporting legends. We want to set the standard. We want to showcase a world-class and memorable sports festival.
“I am sure that the members are reputable and have a pool of resources to organise a festival that will be a benchmark for other festivals.
“We will leverage on our 2009 U-17 World Cup and Enugu City International Marathon experiences. We will do extensive revamp of Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium to a brand new stadium and Awgu Games Village and other sports facilities in the state,” he said .
He charged the committee with 16-point term of reference, which include to be responsible to organise /conduct a successful festival; and to be responsible for the planning and execution of the festival in accordance with relevant regulations guiding the games.
Earlier, Chairman of the LOC and Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Barrister Lloyd Ikechukwu Ekweremadu, said the Committee was mindful of the Governor’s vision to execute a world-class festival which will be a benchmark for other festivals.
The Chairman, presenting the official logo of the games to the Governor, told him that members of the LOC are distinguished sports administrators with capacity to organise a world-class Coal City 2026 National Sports Festival.
Members of the LOC include Barrister Ekweremadu, Bamiduro Olumide (Secretary), and Davidson Owumi.
Others include Jonathan Nnaji, Aku Aghazu, Blessing Ekwe, Barrister Tony Ugwu, as well as Boniface Onovo, Ephraim Ochomma, Obiora Obasi, Henry Okorie. Mary Onyali and Victor Okorie were absent during the event.
Present at the inauguration were the Vice President, Nigeria Olympic Committee, Chief Solomon Ogba, and the Managing Director, National Sports Commission, Bukola Olapade.
