The Main Organising Committee (MOC) Advisory Team for the 23rd National Sports Festival, Enugu 2026, on Wednesday, paid a strategic working visit to the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, at the Enugu State Government House, Enugu.

Led by Dr. Kweku Tandoh, Consultant to the MOC, the primary objective of the visit was to provide the Governor with a comprehensive briefing on the current state of preparations, highlight milestones achieved so far by the MOC and LOC, and bring to his attention critical areas requiring immediate executive intervention to ensure that the Festival is delivered to international standards, on schedule and in line with the vision of the National Sports Commission.

Following extensive deliberations, Governor Mbah responded with clear directives and firm assurances aimed at accelerating preparations for the Games.

He directed immediate action on all issues raised during the meeting and constituted a monitoring team to provide him with daily updates on the progress of work across all fronts.

He further ordered the immediate activation of the LOC Secretariat to serve as the operational hub for all Festival activities. He also directed the immediate composition and activation of all LOC subcommittees. In the spirit of efficiency and in alignment with global best practices, His Excellency approved the streamlining of the subcommittees from 19 to 13 to ensure better coordination and accountability.

Reaffirming the commitment of his administration, His Excellency declared categorically that the Games will not suffer any postponement. He assured that all sporting infrastructure earmarked for the Festival, including the Games Village and competition venues, will be ready and delivered ahead of the commencement of the Games.

To drive awareness and national excitement, the Governor directed the immediate activation of all media, publicity and marketing strategies to commence nationwide sensitisation, promotion and mobilization for the Games.

Demonstrating hands-on leadership, His Excellency also expressed his desire to hold regular interface meetings with the MOC Advisory Team to review progress, address challenges promptly and ensure that Enugu State remains fully on track for a successful hosting.

The team assured the Governor of the unwavering commitment and full support of the National Sports Commission and the MOC to work in close synergy with the Enugu State Government. The goal, they emphasised, is to deliver a peaceful, well-organised and memorable 23rd National Sports Festival that will showcase the talents of Nigerian athletes and the rich cultural heritage of Enugu State and the South-East region.

The high-level delegation was led by Dr. Kweku Tandoh, Consultant to the MOC, and had in attendance Dr. Emmanuel Igbinosa, also Consultant to the MOC; Mr. Sunday Odebode; Mr. Idowu Oladipupo; and Mr. Olumide Bamiduro, Secretary-General of the Local Organising Committee (LOC).

The Advisory Team conveyed the warm greetings and goodwill message of the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC) and Chairman of the MOC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, to His Excellency, Governor Peter Mbah.

The team commended the Governor and the good people of Enugu State for graciously accepting to host the 23rd edition of the National Sports Festival. They noted that this will be the first time since the Imo ’98 Games that a South-East state will have the honour of hosting Nigeria’s biggest multi-sports event.

Few hours after his viral video generated criticisms and reaction over his charge on his supporters to “kill” any member of Accord Party who is seen in Ilesha, Senator Francis Fadahunsi, the lawmaker representing the Osun East Senatorial District, recanted his statement ,  and clarified the intention behind his  ‘Kill Accord’ comment 

The APC senator was seen In the video, speaking in Yoruba and accusing Accord Party members of attacking members of the All Progressives Congress, he therefore urged the gathering to attack Accord Party supporters in Ilesa.

He was also seen daring those present to record his remarks and share them on social media, while reportedly addressing APC supporters in Ilesa ahead of the August 15, 2026, governorship election.

The video however attracted serious criticism and condemnation after all the 13 participating political parties and their candidates have signed a peace accord ahead of the August 15 election, with the state governor, Ademola Adeleke, calling for his arrest and prosecution for allegedly incitng violence 

But in a swift  reaction, through a statement by his media office,, titled ‘Kill Osun Accord with Votes, Not Violence, Senator Fadahunsi Tells APC,’ the senator said his viral comment was “a call on supporters to overwhelmingly reject the Accord Party at the ballot box through lawful, peaceful and democratic means during the August 15 governorship election.”

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Senator’s statement was purely political and metaphorical,” the statement added.

It noted that the comment didn’t portray the lawmaker as an advocate of violence against any member of the public or political party.

“At no point did Senator Fadahunsi advocate violence, intimidation or any form of physical attack against members or supporters of the Accord Party or any other political party. His consistent position has always been that elections should be decided by the votes of the people and not by force.

“The Senator, therefore, urges political actors, party supporters and the electorate to conduct themselves peacefully before, during and after the election. He also calls on security agencies to remain professional and ensure that every eligible voter is able to exercise their constitutional right without fear or intimidation.

“Senator Fadahunsi remains committed to democratic values, issue-based campaigns and a credible electoral process. He believes that the will of the people, freely expressed through the ballot, must always prevail.

“We, therefore, appeal to members of the public not to misinterpret or deliberately distort the Senator’s comments, as they were clearly intended to encourage electoral victory through the power of the ballot and not through violence,” the statement concluded.

Our Reporter 

Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris, has disclosed that his administration has spent over ₦16 billion on retirement and death benefits since assuming office in May 2023.

The Governor made this known on Thursday while delivering his address at the opening ceremony of the Workers’ Rights Summit, held to commemorate the 88th anniversary of the legalization of trade unionism in Nigeria (1938–2026). The event took place at the Presidential Lodge, Birnin Kebbi.

Governor Idris stated that, in line with his administration’s strategic plan for sustainable economic growth, numerous transformative projects have been executed across the state.

“These monumental achievements, alongside many other reforms still in the pipeline, are a testament to the deep commitment of this administration to the dignity and well-being of every worker in Kebbi State,” he said.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to people-oriented policies and appealed for the continued support and cooperation of the people to ensure the success of his government.

The Governor emphasized that his administration has consistently prioritized the welfare of civil servants and the entire workforce.

“We are prepared to collaborate with all stakeholders—including trade unions, civil society organizations, and the organized private sector—to enhance the welfare, safety, and protection of workers’ rights,” he added.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee and State Head of the Civil Service, Tpl. Mallam Shekare mni, highlighted the achievements of the Kauran Gwandu administration, particularly its commitment to workers’ welfare. He noted that more than ₦16 billion had been expended on retirement and death benefits from May 2023 to date.

The Head of Service commended Governor Nasir Idris for his unwavering support for civil servants, citing the construction and furnishing of the ultra-modern State Secretariat Complex, the implementation of the ₦75,000 minimum wage, and other welfare initiatives.

In his remarks, former President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Ayuba Wabba, commended Governor Idris for the remarkable achievements recorded within three years in office. He said the summit was aimed at strengthening workers’ rights and promoting good governance.

He urged participants to emulate the Governor’s commitment to building a better future for workers.

Also speaking, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Joe Ajaero, represented by the President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Audu Titus Amba, applauded Governor Idris for delivering over 80 percent of his campaign promises. He also commended the organizers for hosting the summit.

He encouraged workers to remain committed to their duties and disclosed that the NLC was working towards a review of the national minimum wage through continued engagement with the Federal Government.

Comrade Amba further thanked the Nigerian Bar Association and the Human Rights Institute for organizing the summit, describing it as a strategic gathering focused on labour, social justice, and democracy at a critical time in the nation’s history.

The Chief Judge of Kebbi State, Justice Umaru Abubakar, also commended the theme of the summit and reaffirmed the state government’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of civil servants.

He stated that the government would continue to partner with relevant organizations to improve workers’ welfare, noting that the dedication of the state’s civil servants has been instrumental to the success of the present administration.