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Cross River confirms readiness to host NUGA 2026

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Cross River

Cross River NUGA 2026 preparations are in full swing as Governor Bassey Otu assures safety, hospitality, and world-class sports facilities

Cross River NUGA 2026 preparations have officially kicked off with Governor Bassey Otu affirming that the state is fully ready and safe to host the upcoming Nigerian Universities Games Association event.

Also read: Nigeria Unveils Confederation of African Fashion

The assurance came during a facility tour on Tuesday at the UJ Esuene Stadium in Calabar, led by the Governor, a NUGA delegation, and the University of Calabar management team.

Governor Otu described Calabar as youth-friendly, peaceful, and ideal for national and international sporting competitions.

He noted the city’s green and serene environment as a perfect backdrop for youth engagement and physical excellence.

“This stadium has produced some of Nigeria’s greatest football legends, including Uwenm Ekarika, Etim Essien, and John Okon,” Otu said.
“The very first captain of the national football team was from Calabar, and he led the squad to England for competitive fixtures.”

This marks the first time in 35 years that NUGA returns to Calabar, a city with deep roots in Nigeria’s sports history.

Governor Otu expressed gratitude for the honour, adding that the state is determined to make the 2026 edition one of the most memorable ever.

He placed strong confidence in Dorncklaimz Enamhe, the Executive Secretary of the NUGA 2026 Local Organising Committee, describing him as a committed and capable leader with a track record of delivering on national assignments.

“Enamhe’s reputation speaks for itself. We are confident that he will deliver exceptional games,” Otu added.

Enamhe, in his remarks, highlighted that Calabar boasts the greenest stadium in Nigeria, the best basketball court, and a world-class Olympic-size swimming pool.

He also emphasised Calabar’s strong legacy in table tennis and its homegrown international champions.

“Calabar is also home to Africa’s biggest carnival — a vibrant youth-focused cultural celebration. Hosting NUGA here isn’t just a sporting event; it’s a cultural milestone,” Enamhe said.

Governor Otu reiterated that his administration remains fully committed to sports development, having invested significantly in restoring the sector’s prominence over the past two years.

Also read: Nigeria Unveils Confederation of African Fashion

He stressed that youth empowerment through sports will continue to be a cornerstone of his government’s agenda.

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Festivals

Olojo Festival 5km Road Race Launches with Top Nigerian Runners

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Olojo Festival 5km Road Race debuts in Ile Ife, featuring Nigeria’s top distance runners and spotlighting cultural heritage and athletic talent

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Sports

Umo Eno Champions Sports Festival to Empower Akwa Ibom Youths

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Umo Eno champions sports festival in Akwa Ibom to empower youths, discover talents, create jobs, and promote tourism through Ibom 2025 Sports Festival

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Ogun State unveils mascot, logo, theme song for 22nd National Sports Festival, promises memorable games

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Gateway Games 2024

Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun unveiled the mascot, logo, and theme song for the 22nd National Sports Festival (“Gateway Games 2024”), assuring a memorable and inclusive event

 

The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, represented by his Deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, on Tuesday unveiled the official mascot, logo, and theme song for the highly anticipated 22nd National Sports Festival, tagged “Gateway Games 2024.”

Also read: Ogun State gears up for 22nd National sports festival with upgraded facilities

The unveiling ceremony, held at the June 12 Cultural Centre in Abeokuta, underscored the state’s readiness and commitment to hosting a remarkable and inspiring edition of the national sporting event.

Governor Abiodun emphasized that the unveiling was a clear demonstration of his administration’s dedication to delivering a National Sports Festival that will be the most memorable and inclusive in Nigeria’s history.

He assured all stakeholders that the “Gateway Games” is not just Ogun State’s festival but a national celebration, and Ogun State is fully prepared to welcome athletes and officials from across the country.

The Governor called upon all stakeholders to collaborate with the Local Organising Committee (LOC) to ensure the sports festival becomes an unforgettable showcase of talent, unity, and national pride.

He noted that the unveiled mascot and theme song beautifully reflect the vibrant energy, rich cultural heritage, and high aspirations of the people of Ogun State.

Governor Abiodun urged residents of Ogun State to actively participate in the festival by attending events, enthusiastically cheering the athletes, and warmly welcoming guests, thereby showcasing the renowned culture and hospitality that positions Ogun State as a prominent tourism destination.

The Governor highlighted several new initiatives incorporated into this year’s festival, promising to redefine the overall experience and make “Ogun 2024” an event not to be missed.

“This year’s edition features several new initiatives which the Director General of the National Sports Commission has already highlighted. These innovations are set to redefine the Festival experience and make Ogun 2024 truly unmissable,” stated Governor Dapo Abiodun.

He commended the creativity and talent behind the symbolic elements, acknowledging Dr. Bayo Adepetun for composing the spirited theme song and the Ministry of Culture team for bringing the mascot to life.

He lauded the tireless efforts of the LOC, led by Executive Secretary Dr. Kweku Tandoh, and the guidance of the Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Chief Bukola Olopade, along with sports associations and numerous individuals working diligently behind the scenes to ensure all facilities are ready and every detail is meticulously in place.

The Ogun State Government has made significant investments in upgrading existing sports facilities and constructing new ones to meet world-class standards.

Governor Abiodun affirmed that these investments will not only serve the 2024 Festival but will also stand as a lasting legacy, establishing Ogun State as a premier destination for sports tourism and athletic excellence in Nigeria.

Director-General of the National Sports Commission, NSC, Bukola Olopade, expressed his satisfaction with the level of preparedness demonstrated by Ogun State for the upcoming 22nd National Sports Festival, assuring participants of an exceptional experience.

The Ogun State Commissioner for Sports Development, Wasiu Isiaka, welcomed the Joint Technical Committee to the unveiling ceremony and expressed his gratitude to the members of the Local Organizing Committee for their unwavering commitment to meeting the timelines for the opening ceremony.

The 22nd National Sports Festival, “Gateway Games 2024,” is scheduled to hold in Ogun State from May 16th to 30th, 2025.

The National Sports Festival is a biennial multi-sport event organized by the Federal Government of Nigeria through the National Sports Commission.

It brings together athletes from all 36 states of Nigeria to compete in various sports, fostering national unity and promoting sports development at the grassroots level.

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