A Technical Team led by GCU Relays Coordinator, Commodore Omatseye Nesiama (rtd), and NAATO President, Prof. Jeff Okpako, have concluded the final facility inspection of the Government College Ughelli Athletics Arena, inclusive of the tartan track, just as entries have closed for the eighth edition of the annual Intercollegiate Meet scheduled for November 14th, 2026.
Leading the pack of invited legacy schools to the eighth annual GCU Relays is Edo College, Benin from Edo State alongside previous participants Idia College, Benin.
Other legacy schools invited include; Federal Government College, Warri, Urhobo College, Effurun, James Welch, Emevor, St Peters Claver’s, Aghalokpe, St. Patrick’s College, Asaba amongst others.
The Technical Inspection Team Reports highlighted the present state of the tracks and the needed remedial works to be done, whilst calling on Corporate Nigeria to effect a fresh construction of the tartan tracks after a decade of its first execution.
“We have undertaken a tour of the facilities. Unfortunately, a couple of places look bad. But would see what we can do before November 14th, 2026,” Nesiama remarked, adding “there are a few potholes that can create serious safety issues. But let’s see what can be done practically. Even the 100m area and the home straight needs re-touching. Erosion has taken over some portion of lane one. It could be dangerous to the athletes.”
“However, and good enough, we are trying to commission some experts to fix the terribly bad home straight where all races will conclude.
“We shall see how quickly these erosion affected areas and safety issues can be fixed and certified for competition. We remain hopeful and optimistic about delivering this eighth edition,” observed the report.
The Government College Ughelli (GCU Relays) is a bold initiative of the Old Boys Association, (GCUOBA) that was strategically conceived to revive Intercollegiate athletics competition in Nigeria.
Ten years ago, Shell-NNPC built and donated the tartan tracks in pursuit of its Corporate Social Responsibility commitment to its operating community.