After several states in the federation submitted competing proposals, Enugu State won the opportunity to host the 23rd National Sports Festival.
This is the case even though Tuesday is the day that Dr. Peter Mbah, the state governor, is supposed to deliver the much awaited 2025 budget on the State House of Assembly floor.
Shortly following the State Executive Council meeting, which was organised by the governor, Commissioners for Youth and Sports Barr Lloyd Ekweremadu and Hon. Chris Ozongwu informed the Government House correspondents of the developments over the weekend.
This is the first time any state in South East Nigeria has hosted the famous event since its start in 1973, with Enugu leading the way.
With Enugu gaining the hosting rights, the commissioner reaffirmed the government’s commitment to producing a world-class event that will build on the festival’s tradition of quality, diversity, international vision, and the discovery of potential sports stars.
Barr Ekweremadu said that Governor Mbah’s leadership efforts and significant investment in the sports sector were responsible for Enugu State’s selection as the hosting state, and that plans were underway to improve and expand the state’s sports infrastructure.
Winning the hosting rights is based in part on the development progress Enugu State is making under Governor Peter Mbah’s direction. He also emphasised that the government must make investments in modernising and expanding our sports facilities, especially the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium and the Awgu Games Village, in order to host a top-notch sporting event.
Both the budget proposal and the medium-term expenditure framework (MTEF) were unanimously approved by the council following extensive discussion, evaluation, and questioning, according to Hon. Ozongwu, who also stated that the draft of the 2025 Appropriations Bill was presented to the Executive Council and approved for presentation following thorough review and interrogation.
Consequently, this prepares the way for His Excellency to present the Appropriations Bill to the House of Assembly early the next week. “This bill is subject to House approval, as is customary,” the commissioner continued.
