The main organisers of the Sport-For-All Commission under the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) have announced a one-week postponement of the 2026 Olympic Day celebration.
Tony Nezianya, Public Relations Officer, Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) announced the postponement in a statement on Sunday.
Nezianya said the 2026 Olympic Day earlier scheduled for Saturday, June 27, 2026, will now take place on Saturday, July 4, 2026.
According to him, the decision to shift the date was made on Friday, June 6 during an emergency meeting.
The statement said the postponement will the participating states sufficient time to organise local celebrations on a day completely free from other conflicting commitments and logistical bottlenecks.
“Olympic Day is an annual global event organised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to promote mass participation in physical activities on a non-competitive basis.
“The initiative aims to raise public awareness about the ideals of sports as a vital tool for promoting a healthy, active lifestyle,” Nezianya explained.
Addressing members during the emergency meeting, the Chairman of the NOC Sport-For-All Commission, Dr Abdul Ibrahim, acknowledged the challenges posed by the current tough business climate.
However, he, urged all members to give their best efforts to ensure a resounding success.
“You have always strived to achieve the best, and this year’s event should not be an exception,” Dr Ibrahim charged the committee.
He further commended the leadership of the Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC), led by Engr. Habu Ahmed Gumel,for its steadfast support of the Commission’s efforts to ensure the event’s annual success.
So far, not less than 18 states have officially indicated interest in hosting this year’s celebrations.
Among the states are Delta, Bayelsa, Ondo, Edo, Akwa Ibom, Jigawa, Gombe, Plateau, Taraba, FCT, Oyo, Anambra, Zamfara, Imo, Yobe, Kogi, Sokoto and Adamawa.
“We are Still waiting for other states to indicate interest in the exercise.
The NOC encourages corporate organisations, philanthropic individuals, and the general public to join this movement to foster national unity, bridge generational gaps, and build a healthier society through the social joy of exercise.
“We also solicit corporate organisations to identify with the programme by donating items to us in order to enable us organize a successful program,” the statement said. (vitalnewsngr.com)
