LarryBravo Nwaiwu

Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, says the state is ready to welcome Nigerians and athletes from across the nation to the 2026 National Sports Festival to be hosted by the state.

Mbah said  his administration was already working to upgrade sporting facilities in the state such as the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Games Village in Agwu, among others, to make them not only befitting for the purpose but also for sports development in the state.

He disclosed this at his investiture ceremony as President of Enugu Sports Club as well as the commissioning of the remodeled clubhouse and installation of new club patrons at the weekend.

He said the sporting facilities were part of the government’s strategic efforts to grow the state’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion, attract over three million tourists, and create thousands of jobs for the youths.

He added that the transformation being witnessed by the transportation in the state was designed to complement this vision.

“We are going to give our stadium a brand new look, which will include facilities for aquatic sports. In addition, Awgu Sports and Games Village will be revamped to ensure it is ready for the festival”.

The governor, who commended the Sports Club for the strategic partnership it had fostered with the administration, stressed that the policies, programmes and projects of the government had been consistent with the pledge he made to them during the 2023 electioneering year.

“The last time I visited this facility was during the campaign for the governorship election. During that visit, I outlined a bold vision to transform Enugu State into a viable economy, and reposition it as a premier destination for business and leisure.

“Since ascension to the office, our policies and projects have been consistent with that pledge. The massive road infrastructure revamp in the Enugu metropolis and across our local governments and wards reflects the policy of zero tolerance for unpaved roads,” he added.

Underscoring the significant milestones the administration had made over the past 21 months, Mbah observed that the state’s domestic revenue had been revved up through the use of technology to plug leakages and the deliberate efforts to mobilise revitalise dormant assets.

He further expressed optimism that the administration would surpass the projected internally generated revenue (IGR) of ₦600 billion for 2025 to fund capital development projects that would transform the state, lift people out of poverty, and raise their standards of living.

While insisting that the administration has not increased taxes but only widened tax nets, plugged revenue leaked and revamped dormant assets, Mbah said, “Our stated goal to eradicate poverty is further reinforced as we steadily revive once moribund industries through an inflow of investments.

“The revenue growth is what enables us to make significant interventions across all sectors. Our investments in the social services sector, from education to healthcare and water supply, stand as testaments to our fidelity to the pledge to make the people the cornerstone of every government policy and project.”

He further observed that the sports club had contributed immensely to the development of the state through its long history which coincided with the designation of the state as the capital of Southern Nigeria in 1929.

“Enugu Sports Club has a status that is institutional. This point is evident in the fact that its membership is coveted by the cream of the society. The fact it was founded in 1929, means Enugu Sports Club clearly has a rich history that is almost inseparable from Enugu’s history. For context, 1929 was the year that Enugu became the capital of Nigeria’s Southern Province. So, you can see why this investiture is such a remarkable honour,” Mbah stated.

Commending the outgoing chairman, Sir Victor Atuonwu, and members of his executive for the efforts they put in remodeling the clubhouse, Mbah promised to continue to support the club in its dedication to fostering recreation, social cohesion, and community wellbeing.

Earlier, Atuonwu lauded the governor for the support he had accorded the club to ensure that the clubhouse and other facilities were successfully remodeled to its current benefitting status.

Among the dignitaries in attendance were former governor of Enugu State, Mr Sullivan Chime; former Minister of Information, Chief Nnia Nwodo and former Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria Nsukka, Prof Bartho Okolo, among others.