Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed the state’s commitment to strengthening its leadership in sports development through the hosting of the maiden National Intermediate Games, tagged EKO 2026.
Sanwo-Olu described the games as a major milestone in Lagos’ sporting development and a strategic platform for nurturing young athletes across Nigeria.
The governor spoke in a statement issued by Gbenga Omotoso, Chairman of the Media Publicity Sub-Committee of the Local Organising Committee, on Wednesday in Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that EKO 2026 will take place in Lagos from October 1 to 15, with at least 15,000 athletes expected to participate from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Sanwo-Olu said the multi-sport event would provide young talents with opportunities to showcase their abilities, gain recognition from national sports handlers and begin their journey towards continental and global excellence.
He said youth development remained central to his administration’s T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda, adding that he would personally inspect ongoing renovations of sports facilities across the state ahead of the games.
According to him, Lagos’ recent successes at national competitions demonstrate what can be achieved when athletes are supported by functional systems and adequate structures.
The governor stressed the need to establish a seamless pathway from schools to training grounds, competitions and ultimately national and international sporting platforms.
He also urged newly inaugurated local government chairmen to prioritise grassroots sports development by identifying emerging talents and establishing sustainable structures to nurture them into champions.
Sanwo-Olu described their inauguration as an important step towards repositioning sports administration in Lagos, saying the state’s status as the Centre of Excellence must extend beyond talent discovery to include training opportunities, competitive platforms and institutional frameworks for long-term development.
He noted that sporting events were not merely recreational activities, but could promote discipline, education, employment, entrepreneurship and economic growth.
The governor added that EKO 2026 would generate opportunities across several sectors, including hospitality, transportation, entertainment, media, technology, fitness and sports medicine.
He further called for stronger collaboration between the government and private sector, saying increased private investment would provide a stronger foundation for sports and athlete development in the state.
Sanwo-Olu charged the chairmen to uphold transparency, accountability and discipline in the administration of sports at the grassroots.
The Local Organising Committee is chaired by Sam Egube, Deputy Chief of Staff to the governor, while Lekan Fatodu, Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, and Mobolaji Ogunlende, Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, serve as co-chairmen.