Preparations for the upcoming 23rd National Sports Festival have moved into high gear as the Local Organising Committee for the Enugu Coal City Games officially put together a comprehensive network of sub-committees. Set to run from November 27 to December 11, the major national sporting fiesta is drawing significant attention, prompting organizers to establish targeted teams to handle everything from hospitality to security. The newly formed panels are designed to oversee critical operational areas such as the Games Village, accommodation, catering, media, protocols, and ceremonial activities.
Leadership across the board reflects a careful blend of administrative experience and sector expertise. The overarching oversight of the Games Village Management Committee rests with the Local Organising Committee Chairman, Hon. Lloyd Ike Ekweremadu Jr, alongside Secretary-General Olumide Bamiduro, working alongside notable figures like Davidson Owumi and Dr Ademola Are. Meanwhile, the crucial task of housing athletes and officials falls to an accommodation team headed by Obiora Obasi, backed by Henry Okorie and Obinna Chukwu. Feeding arrangements are similarly structured, with Ekweremadu and Bamiduro steering the catering sub-committee alongside Nancy Nwoha to ensure participants are well cared for throughout their stay.
Communication and public engagement have also been given a prominent platform. The media and communication division brings together heavyweights from both government and professional bodies, led by the Enugu State Commissioner for Information alongside Sports Writers Association of Nigeria Chairman Gideon Iwueke. Senior media aides and seasoned journalists complete a robust lineup tasked with driving publicity and managing information flow before and during the tournament. On the security and protocol front, security coordination is placed firmly in the hands of the state’s Commissioner of Police, working alongside legislative and government security chiefs, as well as top brass from military and intelligence agencies to guarantee a safe environment for all attendees.
Beyond the core operational units, a sweeping array of specialized committees has been rolled out to touch every facet of the festival experience. Former Olympic star Mary Onyali has been tapped to lead the volunteers sub-committee, while the finance desk is managed by Hon. Nathaniel Urama. Marketing and sponsorship fall under Davidson Owumi, and technical operations are steered by Jonathan Nnaji. Health needs, venue readiness, transport logistics, and grassroots mobilization are similarly delegated to specialized commissioners and civic leaders. With these structural frameworks now in place, stakeholders across the country look toward Enugu with high expectations for a seamless and memorable festival.
