The 8th edition of the Government College Ughelli (GCU) Relays has received the green light to go ahead as scheduled on November 14, following a successful inspection of the competition venue.
The approval came after a follow-up assessment by former Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) Technical Director, Commodore Omatseye Nesiama (rtd), and Delta State President of the National Association of Athletics Technical Officials (NAATO), Professor Jeff Okpako, who had earlier identified areas requiring attention ahead of the intercollegiate athletics competition.
Their recommendations prompted the Main Organising Committee (MOC) to intensify preparations, with financial support from the Government College Ughelli Old Boys Association, popularly known as the Mariners, and their corporate partners contributing to the restoration of the tartan track to good condition.
Following the latest inspection, Nesiama and Okpako expressed satisfaction with the improvements made by the organisers, commending their commitment to addressing the concerns raised during their previous visit.
"It is most pleasing and gratifying to note that since our last visit a lot has been done to ensure that the GCU Relays hold as scheduled. It is a most commendable feat," they said.
President General Worldwide of the GCU Old Boys Association, HRM Albert Akpomudje, SAN, also applauded the progress recorded, particularly the financial contributions from old students across different generations.
Akpomudje expressed appreciation to the Mariners for sustaining their commitment to the competition but renewed his appeal to corporate organisations in Nigeria to support the replacement of the tartan tracks, which have been in use for almost a decade.
With preparations entering their final phase, attention is now turning to the discovery of emerging athletics talents, particularly athletes who could emerge as winners of the prestigious Victor Ludorum and Victrix Ludorum awards at this year's competition.
Previous recipients of the honours include Godson Oghenebrume, Sunday Akintan and Praise Ofoku, all of whom have gone on to make progress in international athletics.
Beyond the sporting contests, the annual GCU Relays seeks to revive intercollegiate athletics as a platform for promoting national unity, youth development and the discovery of talents for Nigerian athletics.
The competition has previously attracted participation from schools outside Delta State, including Yewa College, Ilaro; Idia College, Benin City; and Government College, Afikpo.
With the venue cleared following the inspection and November 14 fast approaching, the organisers are set for another edition of the GCU Relays, which is expected to provide young athletes with an opportunity to showcase their abilities and compete for honours.
The 2026 edition is also expected to sustain the competition's tradition of identifying promising athletes who could go on to represent Nigeria on the international stage.
