Lagos State Governor Launches Local Organizing Committee for National Intermediate Games
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu inaugurated the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the inaugural National Intermediate Games (NIG), branded “Lagos 2026,” during a ceremony held at the banquet hall of the Lagos House, Marina.
Governor Sanwo-Olu urged the LOC members to execute their roles with dedication and professionalism, emphasizing the significance of their responsibilities in advancing sports development across Nigeria. He highlighted that the establishment of this committee marks a vital step towards enhancing the country’s sporting landscape.
The Governor pointed out that the National Intermediate Games would serve as a platform for young athletes nationwide to discover and showcase their talents, while simultaneously fostering opportunities for growth and excellence in sports. He believes this initiative is crucial for empowering youth through athletic opportunities.
Hosting the Games in October 2026 underscores Lagos State’s commitment to youth empowerment and sports development, according to Sanwo-Olu. He noted that the event will promote social inclusion, national integration, and cultural exchange among participants from various regions of the country.
Sanwo-Olu articulated that the Games represent more than a mere sporting event; they are an investment in the future of the youth and a means of strengthening unity while generating new opportunities through sports. He made these remarks during a courtesy visit by LOC members, led by the Secretary of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade.
Appreciating the reforms initiated by the Director-General of the National Sports Commission and its Chairman, the Governor acknowledged the essential role of deliberate planning and investment in cultivating a thriving sports environment. “Sports activities are not magic,” he said, emphasizing the need for consistent follow-through to achieve desired objectives.
During the session, National Sports Commission Director-General Olopade praised Lagos State’s ongoing investment in sports infrastructure and youth development. He expressed confidence in the state’s ability to host the National Intermediate Games, pointing out its strong track record in organizing significant sporting events.
Olopade remarked, “Lagos is making its mark on the burgeoning $8.8 trillion sports economy projected over the next two decades. It was an easy decision to select Lagos as the host for the inaugural National Intermediate Games, given the state’s unwavering support for the National Sports Commission and its initiatives.”
Mobolaji Ogunlende, Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development and Co-Chairman of the LOC, spoke during the inauguration, expressing gratitude for the trust placed in the committee by Governor Sanwo-Olu. He assured that the members will work diligently to ensure the Games’ success, aiming to create lasting positive impacts for millions of Nigerian youths and offering them opportunities on the global stage.
Anticipated to gather young athletes from every corner of Nigeria, the National Intermediate Games is expected to provide an essential avenue for nurturing talent and enhancing the sports landscape in the country.
