The Sports for All Commission of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) has announced the postponement of the 2026 Olympic Day Celebration by one week.
Originally scheduled to hold on June 27, 2026, the event will now take place nationwide on July 4, 2026, following an emergency meeting of the Main Organizing Committee held on June 6.
According to the committee, the adjustment became necessary due to logistical considerations and will provide participating states with additional time to adequately prepare for the annual event.
So far, 18 states have confirmed their participation in the celebration. They include Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kogi, Ondo, Oyo, Plateau, Sokoto, Taraba, and Zamfara States.
Secretary of the Sports for All Commission, Augustine Odigie, disclosed that more states are expected to indicate interest before the end of June.
Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Abdul Ibrahim, commended the efforts of the Commission’s Secretary for his commitment toward ensuring a successful and memorable celebration. He also urged members of the commission to work collaboratively to deliver an event that surpasses previous editions.
Despite acknowledging the country’s current economic challenges, Dr. Ibrahim encouraged stakeholders to remain committed to making the programme a success.
He noted that Olympic Day is an annual global initiative of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) aimed at promoting mass participation in physical activities and encouraging healthy lifestyles through non-competitive sporting events.
Dr. Ibrahim, who also serves as President of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation, further praised the leadership of the Nigeria Olympic Committee under Engineer Habu Ahmed Gumel for its continued support of the Sports for All Commission and its programmes.
The Olympic Day Celebration is expected to bring together thousands of participants across the country in line with the Olympic ideals of fitness, friendship, and excellence.
