● Chijioke Ogbodo
As the countdown to the Gateway Games Ogun 2025 intensifies, Enugu State has emerged as a state to watch at the 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival, slated for May 16 – 30 in Ogun State. With a strong 112-member contingent – 88 athletes and 24 officials – Team Enugu is poised to challenge for medals in 13 competitive events.
The drive toward medal success is backed by high-level leadership. In a widely lauded show of commitment, Governor Peter Mbah ran the 10km race during the maiden Enugu City International Half Marathon, completing it in 45 minutes. The event attracted professional athletes from East Africa, with Kenyan runners dominating top finishes, and was a strong pointer to Enugu’s ambition to be a hub for sports, tourism, and wellness.
Governor Mbah’s participation was more than symbolic – it underscored the administration’s focus on youth sports development in Nigeria, particularly in Enugu. The state’s Ministry of Youth and Sports, under the guidance of Commissioner Lloyd Ikechukwu Ekweremadu, has since ramped up technical and logistical preparations ahead of the festival.
“We are focused on results,” Commissioner Ekweremadu said. “It’s not just about showing up. We want to bring home medals. Our athletes will commence residential camp training on May 10, and we’re confident in their potential.”
Lloyd Ekweremadu Esq. Commissioner for Youth and Sports Enugu State
Team Enugu athletes will participate in athletics, para-athletics, wrestling, boxing, badminton, para-powerlifting, basketball, judo, handball, tennis, football, and swimming. The choice of events is strategic, aligning with areas where the state has developed strong youth programs and competitive track records.
Notably, Governor Mbah had, as far back as December 2024, approved and released all the logistics required to support a seamless participation at the Games. The early release of funds allowed the sports ministry to procure kits, finalize travel plans, and structure pre-festival training.
According to Boniface Onovo, Enugu State’s Director of Sports, “The Governor’s personal interest and the Commissioner’s proactive leadership have created a very positive atmosphere for the athletes. Morale is high, and expectations are realistic but ambitious.”
To spur the team toward podium finishes, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Lloyd Ekweremadu, has announced a reward of ₦100,000 for every athlete who clinches a gold medal for the state. Beyond that, medal-winning athletes and their coaches have been assured of special recognition and significant rewards directly from Governor Mbah, whose personal interest in sports development continues to inspire the contingent.
Sports watchers are already tipping Enugu as a potential top performer, citing not just the energy from the marathon but also the improved coordination between coaches, athletes, and government agencies. This year’s campaign, observers say, could mark the beginning of a golden era for Enugu’s sports sector.
In addition to competition, Enugu will use the Ogun Games to highlight its cultural strengths ahead of the 2026 National Sports Festival, which the state will host. During the closing ceremony in Abeokuta, Enugu will present a teaser performance from its famous Atilogwu dance troupe – a taste of the rich Igbo heritage expected to color the 2026 Games.
Governor Peter Mbah (middle); Uche Ugwu, Speaker ESHA (left) and others during the Enugu International Marathon
Another significant moment for the state will be the official reception of the hosting torch, symbolizing Enugu’s transition from competitor to host. The torch will be presented during a special segment of the Ogun Games, setting the tone for the 23rd edition in Enugu.
Meanwhile, at the national level, the National Sports Commission (NSC) has inaugurated 19 sub-committees to ensure smooth operations and high-level competition across all venues in Ogun. Media, medical, logistics, accommodation, and technical oversight are among the key areas of focus.
Whether on the tracks, in the pool, or on the mats, Team Enugu is not just going to Ogun to participate -they are going to contend. And with a firm hand on the baton of leadership and logistics, Governor Mbah and his team are making sure Enugu doesn’t just compete but defines the tone of Nigeria’s sports future. GMTNewsng
