Ebonyi NAPPS Announces Nigeria’s Largest Private School Sporting Festival,Targets Over 13,000 Participants
By Alex Odeh, Pan Afric Reporters
The National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Abakaliki Local Government Area chapter, has announced plans for the 2026 edition of the Abakaliki Unity Games and Inter-School Sports Championship, with organisers targeting over 50 schools, 3000 students, 10,000 parents and spectators, over 500 teachers and coaches, including government officials, corporate organisations, media houses, among others.
Speaking at a press conference in Abakaliki, the Chairman of the NAPPS Sports Committee for the Abakaliki Unity Games, Mr. Peter Uchechukwu, disclosed the championship, as “Uniting Schools, Discovering Champions, Building the Future,” is being organised by NAPPS Abakaliki LGA in partnership with the Ebonyi Premier League Football Association.
Uchechukwu said the annual championship is aimed at discovering young sporting talents while positioning Ebonyi State as one of Nigeria’s leading hubs for grassroots sports development.
According to him, the tournament will provide student-athletes with a professionally organised platform that promotes discipline, leadership, teamwork and healthy competition, while creating opportunities for exceptional talents to represent Ebonyi State and Nigeria at national and international competitions.
He explained that the competition would feature football, athletics, basketball, volleyball and other sporting events involving private schools across Ebonyi State, adding that it would also serve as a youth empowerment programme capable of creating educational, professional and economic opportunities for participants.
The NAPPS official lamented that many gifted children in Nigeria lack opportunities to showcase their talents, stressing that the championship would bridge the gap through professional talent identification, certified coaching and officiating, mentorship programmes, scholarship opportunities and international scouting.
He added that the initiative would also encourage improved academic performance, school attendance, positive social behaviour, sports tourism, youth employment and investment in the state’s sports sector.
Uchechukwu disclosed that over 50 private schools, more than 3,000 student-athletes, about 10,000 parents and spectators, 500 teachers and coaches, alongside government officials, corporate organisations, media houses, sports scouts and international partners are expected to participate in the event.
He said highlights of the championship would include a grand opening ceremony, colourful march past, athletics, football, basketball, volleyball, indoor games, cultural displays, talent showcases, award presentations and a closing ceremony.
According to him, the championship was instituted to honour the legacy of Dr. P.C.O. Okoh for his outstanding contributions to education and youth development, noting that the initiative would help build stronger schools, healthier communities and future champions capable of representing Ebonyi State on the global stage.
He appealed to corporate organisations, development partners and philanthropists to support the championship, describing sponsorship as an investment in the future of Nigerian youths.
Uchechukwu said sponsors would enjoy wide publicity through television, radio, newspapers, digital and social media campaigns, stadium branding and direct engagement with parents, students, teachers, school proprietors, government officials and community leaders.
He added that sponsorship categories include Platinum, Gold, Silver and Community Partnership packages, offering benefits such as naming rights, premium branding, exhibition opportunities, media recognition and VIP hospitality.
He further explained that sponsorship funds would be used to procure sports equipment, support student welfare, provide professional officiating, security, medical services, talent scouting, media production and international exposure for outstanding athletes.
Uchechukwu announced that while the championship’s media launch was held on July 5, 2026, the official flag-off is scheduled for September 19. Regional competitions will take place between September and October, while the grand finale is slated for October 12, 2026.
He urged government agencies, private organisations and other stakeholders to partner with the organisers to ensure the success of the championship and help unlock the sporting potential of young people across Ebonyi State.
