Nigeria has secured renewed confidence and financial backing for the hosting of the 2nd African School Games scheduled for Abuja in 2027.
This followed a detailed progress report delivered by the Local Organising Committee, LOC, at the Extraordinary General Assembly of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa, ANOCA, in Nagoya, Japan.
The assembly, which held at the Hilton Hotel, attracted top hierarchy of ANOCA, as well as leaders from other continental Olympic bodies, including the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees and the Oceania National Olympic Committees.
After the opening ceremony led by ANOCA President, Mustapha Berraf, which featured goodwill messages and signing of cooperation agreements, attention turned to the state of readiness for forthcoming continental Games.
Nigeria Olympic Committee President, Habu Gumel, introduced LOC Chairman, Lekan Abari, to brief the congress on Abuja 2027.
Abari told delegates that Nigeria is working under a direct presidential mandate from President Bola Tinubu to not only secure the Games but to deliver a world-class edition. He said the LOC is working closely with the National Sports Commission, led by Chairman Shehu Dikko and Director General Bukola Olopade.
He outlined what has been done so far – signing of hosting agreements, inspection of proposed facilities, plans for upgrade of venues, selection of sports, funding drive and the setting up of the LOC structure. According to him, a lot of ground has been covered, but the committee is not resting, as it is determined to satisfy all conditions set by ANOCA.
Delegates later raised questions on security of athletes and officials, how effective the LOC Secretariat is, availability of technical documents and the proposed Chef de Mission meeting fixed for January 12-20, 2027.
Abari reassured the house that all areas are being handled and that the LOC will continue to work hand-in-hand with ANOCA to keep to timelines.
Outside the hall, several delegates walked up to the Nigerian team to praise the presentation for its detail and clarity.
Abuja 2027 was one of four host cities that gave updates during the session. Others were Equatorial Guinea for the African Beach Games, Ethiopia for the African Youth Games and Egypt for the African Games.
The major gain for Nigeria in Nagoya was the reaffirmation by ANOCA that it stands firmly behind Abuja 2027, coupled with a commitment to release funds earlier promised to fast-track preparations. The LOC is expected to open talks immediately with ANOCA on how the funds will be disbursed.
With the presentation in Japan, Nigeria has moved its hosting project from assurances to demonstrable readiness, as attention now returns to Abuja for full-scale operational work.
Source/Tobex Media
