18 States Confirm Participation as NOC Moves Olympic Day To July 4

18 States Confirm Participation as NOC Moves Olympic Day To July 4

By Niyi Busari 

The Sport-For-All Commission of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) has announced the postponement of the 2026 Olympic Day celebration by one week, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The nationwide event, initially scheduled for Saturday, June 27, 2026, will now take place on Saturday, July 4, 2026.

The decision was reached during an emergency meeting of the Commission held on Friday, June 6, 2026. According to the organisers, the adjustment will provide participating states with additional time to adequately prepare for the event and eliminate scheduling conflicts and logistical challenges that could affect the smooth conduct of the celebrations.

Olympic Day is an annual global initiative of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) designed to encourage mass participation in physical activities regardless of age, gender, or athletic ability. The programme promotes the Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect while advocating healthy and active lifestyles through non-competitive sporting activities.

Speaking during the meeting, Chairman of the NOC Sport-For-All Commission, Dr. Abdul Ibrahim, acknowledged the economic challenges facing stakeholders but urged members to remain committed to delivering a successful event.

“You have always strived to achieve the best, and this year’s event should not be an exception,” Dr. Ibrahim said.

He also commended the leadership of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, led by Engr. Habu Ahmed Gumel, for its continued support and commitment to the annual success of the Olympic Day celebration across the country.

So far, 18 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have officially indicated interest in hosting activities to commemorate this year’s Olympic Day. The states include Delta, Bayelsa, Ondo, Edo, Akwa Ibom, Jigawa, Gombe, Plateau, Taraba, Oyo, Anambra, Zamfara, Imo, Yobe, Kogi, Sokoto and Adamawa, alongside the FCT.

The Commission is optimistic that more states will join the initiative in the coming weeks.

The Nigeria Olympic Committee is also calling on corporate organisations, philanthropists, development partners, and members of the public to support the programme, which seeks to promote national unity, encourage intergenerational interaction, and improve public health through regular physical activity.

The Commission further appealed to corporate bodies and well-meaning individuals to support the successful staging of the event through sponsorships, donations, and the provision of materials required for the nationwide celebration.

For further information, interested organisations and stakeholders are encouraged to contact the Nigeria Olympic Committee Sport-For-All Commission.