Governor Commends Athletes, Reaffirms Enugu’s Commitment to Sports Development, Youth Empowerment and Global Sporting Excellence.
Enugu Media Village (EMV) | August 31, 2026.
ENUGU, NIGERIA — The Executive Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, has reaffirmed his administration’s determination to position Enugu as Africa’s sporting capital, following the successful hosting of the 2026 Enugu City International Marathon.
The marathon, which attracted elite athletes from Nigeria and beyond, provided another platform for Enugu State to showcase its growing capacity to host major international sporting events while promoting fitness, healthy living, tourism and economic development.
East African athletes dominated the 42-kilometre elite category, underlining the increasingly international profile of the Enugu City Marathon and the quality of competition attracted to the Coal City.
Governor Mbah, while commending the athletes, organisers, volunteers, security agencies and residents who contributed to the success of the event, reiterated his administration’s commitment to developing sports as a major component of Enugu’s economic and social transformation.
The Governor noted that sports development goes beyond competition, stressing its potential to create opportunities for young people, attract visitors and investors, promote healthy lifestyles and strengthen the state’s international visibility.
The successful marathon further demonstrated the administration’s broader vision of transforming Enugu into a destination capable of hosting world-class events and providing modern infrastructure and facilities that meet international standards.
Governor Mbah also encouraged young people in the state to take advantage of emerging opportunities in sports and other areas of talent development, assuring that his administration would continue to support initiatives capable of unlocking the potential of Enugu’s youth.
The Enugu City International Marathon 2026, therefore, represents more than a sporting competition. It is another milestone in the state’s ongoing transformation and a reflection of Governor Mbah’s vision of building a modern, prosperous and globally competitive Enugu.
With the growing participation of international athletes and the state’s increasing investment in sporting infrastructure and events, Enugu is steadily strengthening its position on the global sporting map.
The Governor’s renewed commitment to making Enugu Africa’s sporting capital signals that the state’s sports renaissance is only beginning, with greater opportunities expected for athletes, youths, businesses, tourists and the wider sporting community.