NSF: Olopade assures Enugu is ready, promises ‘Bang’ opening ceremony

NATIONAL SPORTS FESTIVAL: Olopade assures Enugu is ready, promises ‘Bang’ opening ceremony

The Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Honourable Bukola Olopade, has declared Enugu State fully prepared to host the forthcoming National Sports Festival, describing the Coal City State as “good to go” ahead of the Games.

Olopade, who spoke during an interview after inspecting facilities and preparations in Enugu, said the level of commitment from the state government and residents had reinforced his confidence that the festival would be successfully staged.

According to him, the enthusiasm surrounding the Games is already evident, with more than 500 caterers applying to provide services during the festival, while over 500 volunteers have also indicated interest in handling cleaning duties.

He noted that the figures demonstrate not only the excitement generated by the festival but also its potential to create significant economic opportunities for residents.

“Everywhere we’ve been and everybody we’ve spoken to, there is a desire for people to be part of these Games,” Olopade said.

“I was very glad to hear from the Director-General of Sports in Enugu State that over 500 kitchens have applied to be part of the Games, as well as more than 500 volunteers just for cleaning. That tells you the strength and economic impact these Games will have across the various locations where they will take place.”

Olopade said his recent inspection of the facilities further convinced him that Enugu was ready to welcome athletes, officials and other participants.

“Enugu is good to go. We’re here. We came for this festival, and we want to ensure that everything is ready for the participants,” he stated.

The NSC DG also raised expectations for the opening ceremony, urging Nigerians and members of the media to be at the stadium on November 27 to witness what he described as a spectacular event.

“I won’t tell you what it is, but do not fail to get to the stadium, by God’s grace, on November 27. You will see the story,” he said.

Beyond the entertainment and spectacle, Olopade said the festival would tell a bigger story about inclusion and nation-building, particularly as the South-East hosts the National Sports Festival for the first time in 28 years.

“For me, the story is more about inclusivity and nation-building. The story is more about what President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has always preached: Nigeria belongs to all of us,” he said.

Olopade revealed that his personal connection with Enugu’s hosting bid has made the assignment particularly emotional for him.

He explained that before his appointment as NSC Director-General, he had worked as a consultant for Enugu State in its bid to secure the hosting rights for the Games.

He is now Chairman of the Main Organising Committee for the same festival.

“I can imagine what the opening ceremony and my speech at the opening ceremony will be like, by God’s grace, on November 27,” he added.

On infrastructure, Olopade expressed satisfaction with the facilities inspected across the state, highlighting the International Conference Centre, the ongoing construction of a swimming pool and the rehabilitation of Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.

He described the International Conference Centre as a world-class facility which will host activities connected to seven different sports.

“We also are building a world-class swimming pool. The National Sports Commission is building it, and it will be ready very soon,” he said.

“The National Stadium, Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, is also being put into shape, and we saw all the materials that are already on the ground. So, yes, Enugu is ready.”

Olopade stressed that the National Sports Festival is about much more than competition, saying the Federal Government and NSC are deliberately positioning sports as a tool for youth development and socioeconomic transformation.

He said the festival would provide opportunities for thousands of businesses and individuals to benefit from the influx of athletes, officials, spectators and visitors into Enugu.

“The thing about the National Sports Festival, the National Youth Games and games of this nature is that leadership is being intentional,” he said.

“Part of those things is using sports as a socioeconomic-impact strategy to touch the lives of the people of Enugu and, by extension, Nigerians.”

The NSC boss projected that about 1,000 small-scale businesses could be positively impacted by the Games, with hospitality, food vendors, transportation, retail and other service providers expected to benefit from the increased economic activity.

He further reiterated the NSC’s commitment to ensuring that sports becomes an inclusive enterprise involving athletes, officials, stakeholders, the media and other participants.

“Sports must be a youth business for all of us, you in the media, the stakeholders, the activists and those who play the sports. Everybody. Nobody must be left behind,” Olopade declared.

With preparations gathering momentum and facilities undergoing final touches, the NSC DG believes Enugu is poised not only to host the National Sports Festival but also to use the Games to showcase the state’s capacity, culture, hospitality and economic potential to Nigeria and the world.