The countdown to the 2026 National Sports Festival in Enugu State has gathered momentum following the unveiling of ODUMEZE as the official mascot of Nigeria’s biggest multi-sport event.
The mascot was unveiled in Enugu on Friday by the National Sports Commission (NSC) in collaboration with the Local Organising Committee (LOC) and Main Organising Committee (MOC), marking another major milestone in preparations for the Festival scheduled for November.
ODUMEZE, which represents Boldness, Strength and Power, is expected to serve as a symbol of the spirit of the Games and reflect the resilience, ambition and character of the people of Enugu State.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, described the unveiling as an important activation that would help build excitement and create greater awareness for the Festival across Nigeria and within the host state.
According to Olopade, the National Sports Festival requires strong promotional activities to ensure that Nigerians fully connect with the event ahead of its commencement.
“I am excited for Games of this nature because we need this kind of activation for the Festival to resonate all over the country and throughout Enugu State,” he said.
Olopade, who expressed pride in being associated with the newly unveiled mascot, commended Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah; Deputy Governor, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai; Commissioner for Sports, Barr. Lloyd Ike Ekweremadu; as well as members of the LOC and MOC for what he described as the pace of preparations towards hosting a successful Festival.
The NSC Director General also disclosed that officials had inspected key facilities in the state and expressed confidence in Enugu’s commitment to providing the necessary infrastructure and services for athletes and visitors.
He said preparations were focused not only on sporting facilities but also on athlete welfare, security, medical services, accommodation, transportation and hospitality.
Olopade assured that the National Sports Commission would continue to work closely with the Enugu State Government and other stakeholders to ensure that the Festival meets international standards and provides a platform for unity, sporting excellence and national pride.
He added that the assurance from the Enugu State Government and the level of preparations witnessed so far had strengthened confidence in the state’s readiness to host athletes, coaches, officials and sports enthusiasts from across the country.
With preparations gathering pace, Olopade called on athletes, coaches, state sports councils, corporate organisations and Nigerians to rally behind ODUMEZE as a symbol of unity, strength and sporting excellence.
As the countdown continues towards November, the message from the organisers is clear: ODUMEZE is bold, ODUMEZE is strong and ODUMEZE is powerful.
