Gov Otu: Calabar is safe, fully ready to host NUGA 2026

Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has assured that the ancient city of Calabar is fully prepared and safe to host the 2026 edition of the Nigerian Universities Games Association (NUGA).

Governor Otu gave this assurance during an inspection tour of facilities at the UJ Esuene Stadium alongside a delegation from NUGA and the management of the University of Calabar (UNICAL), which won the hosting rights.

The governor described Calabar as a youth-friendly, peaceful, conducive, welcoming city with a serene and green environment that makes it ideal for hosting national and international sporting events.

“The field we are standing on today has produced some of Nigeria’s greatest football icons, including Uwem Ekarika, Etim Essien, John Okon, among others. The first captain of the national football team was a Calabar man, who led the team to England for competitive matches,” Otu said.

Expressing gratitude for the return of NUGA to Calabar after 35 years, Governor Otu said he was confident the event would be a huge success under the leadership of Papa Dorncklaimz Enamhe as Executive Secretary of the NUGA 2026 Local Organising Committee.

He also highlighted Calabar’s deep historical connection to sports, noting that it was the first city in Nigeria where football was played.

“Papa Dorncklaimz Enamhe is known for his dedication and commitment to any responsibility entrusted to him, and I have no doubt he will deliver excellently on this national assignment,” the governor added.

Governor Otu also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sports development, noting that in the past two years, the state government has significantly promoted sporting activities and restored their pride of place in Cross River State.

Speaking Papa Dorncklaimz added that, Uwem Ekarika, Etim Esin and John Okon that the Governor earlier mentioned played for Rovers and the National team adding that football was first played in Calabar.

He stated that Calabar has the greenest stadium in Nigeria, the best basketball court and the world class Olympic size swimming pool in Nigeria amongst others.

“A Cross Riverian was the first Capt of the National team. A Cross Riverian was captain of the first international tour of Nigerian to the UK. Calabar is home to table tennis with world class champions. Calabar is home to the biggest carnival in Africa where youths will properly interact. Unical hosting NUGA after 35th is huge for the state,” he said.

Other officials present during the inspection tour included the Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Agnes Atsu; Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties, Barr. Ekpenyong Akiba; Executive Secretary of NUGA 2026, Papa Dorncklaimz Enamhe; Mrs Opeoluwa Adeyemo-Anjorin, Chief Executive Officer; and Ugochukwu Osuji, Chief Growth Officer, among others.

By Ebriku John Friday