The 23rd National Sports Festival, dubbed the Coal City Games Enugu 2026, will surpass the recently concluded Gateway Games Ogun 2024, according to Enugu State Commissioner for Sports Development, Mr. Lloyd Ike Ekweremadu.
Speaking to journalists at a press briefing during the Gateway Games in Abeokuta, Ekweremadu declared that Enugu aims to set a new benchmark for the biennial event, making it the most memorable in its history.
Ekweremadu, a lawyer by profession, praised Ogun State for raising the standard with the 22nd edition but vowed that Enugu, under Governor Peter Mbah’s administration, would elevate the festival to a world-class level.
“Enugu is ready to welcome Nigeria next year,” he said, emphasizing the state’s preparedness with existing sports facilities set to receive necessary upgrades. He promised athletes, officials, journalists, and fans an unforgettable experience.
Highlighting Enugu’s rich cultural heritage and tourism potential, Ekweremadu noted that the state would showcase historical sites to attract visitors from within and outside Nigeria. He also underscored Enugu’s commitment to safety, boasting the highest number of security cameras on the African continent, ensuring a secure environment for all. “Enugu is peaceful and hospitable,” he assured.
The Commissioner pledged to make the stay of journalists covering the games enjoyable, urging them to partner with the state to promote Enugu globally. In response, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, President of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), called for close collaboration with the state to ease the workload of journalists during the Coal City Games.
