Mr. Boniface Onovo, the Director of Sports, Enugu State Ministry for Youths and Sport says the state has enough facilities and potentials needed to host the 2026 National Sports Festival (NSF).
Onovo disclosed this in Nsukka on Wednesday while speaking with newsmen shortly after conducting officials from the Federal Ministry of Sports Development, Abuja and Nilayo Sports Management Limited (NSML) Lagos, the Consultant of Enugu State 2024 Marathon and 2026 NSF bidding.
Onovo said the officials were in the state to inspect existing sports facilities as Enugu State was among states bidding to host NSF 2026.
The officials started the inspections today (Wednesday) in Enugu North Senatorial District.
He maintained that the state had all it required to host the sports festival.
“Officials from the Federal Ministry of Sport Development, Abuja and Nilayo Sports Management Limited (NSML) Lagos are satisfied with sports facilities seen in Enugu North Senatorial District.
“They inspected Nsukka Township Stadium, Akanu Ibiam Stadium, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, among others,” he said.
According to the director, the officials will also visit other sports facilities in Awgu axis and in Enugu Capital Territory before leaving the state
“After their inspections, I will submit the report to the Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Mr. Lloyd Ekweremadu, who will in turn forward it to Gov. Peter Mbah for necessary actions toward the bidding,” he said
Onovo explained that hosting of 2026 sports festival would boost economic tourism, expand existing sports facilities as well as market sports potentials and achievements of Enugu State to the entire world.
“If Enugu State wins the hosting right of NSF 2026, it will not only boost the state’s economic tourism but will also market sports potentials and achievements of the state, as well as expand the existing sports facilities in the state,” he said.
He appealed to Enugu people 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 in 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 in development of youths and sports ” Onovo said.
The visiting team also the Enugu Sports Club where they also inspected some sports facilities in the club including the swimming pool, table and lawn tennis ground.
The Chairman of the sports club, Mr Victor Atuonwu, conducted the team round the facilities in the club. (NAN)