*** Governor inaugurates Organising Committee
*** DG NSC commends LASG’s investment in sports
The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo – Olu, on Wednesday inaugurated the Local Organising Committee ( LOC ) for the maiden edition of the National Intermediate Games ( N I G ) tagged ‘Lagos 2026.’
Governor Sanwo – Olu charged the Local Organising Committee to approach the assignment with dedication, professionalism and clear sense of purpose.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony held at the Banquet Hall of Lagos House, Marina, Governor Babajide Sanwo – Olu in a statement by Mr. Gboyega Akosile, his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity described the Local Organising Committee’s responsibility as a significant development in Nigeria.
Governor Sanwo – Olu said the National Intermediate Games will provide a platform for young athletes across the country the discover and showcase their talents while creating opportunities for growth and excellence in Sports.
He said Lagos State’s decision to host the competition in October 2026 reflects its commitment to youth empowerment and sports development, noting that event would also foster social inclusion, national integration and cultural exchange among participants from different part of the country.
“The games represent more than a sporting event. They are Investment into the future of our young people and an avenue to strengthen unity create opportunities through Sports,” he said.
The statement revealed that speaking during a courtesy visit by member of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) led by the Director – General of the National Sports Commission, Mr. Bukola Olapade, Governor Sanwo – Olu said his administration hold sporting activities in high esteem and will continue to put sports in a position it belongs.
Governor Sanwo – Olu commended the reforms spearheaded by both the Director – General and the Chairman of National Sports Commission for putting sports and sporting activities on an important trajectory.
“Sporting activities are not magic, they are a deliberate, intentional investment that you must build up on. You must create, follow up and follow through to get to the desire you want,” he said.
The Director – General of National Sports Commission, Mr Bukola Olapade, commended Lagos State Government for its sustained investment in sports infrastructure and youth development.
Olapade noted that Lagos has consistently demonstrated leadership in hosting major sporting events and expressed confidence in Lagos State’s capacity to successfully host the maiden National Intermediate Games.
He said ‘The 8.8 trillion dollar economy of sports that is going to happen in the next 20 years has Lagos with a footprint in it already. It is not a difficult decision for us to choose Lagos as the host state for the maiden National Intermediate Games.
Lagos has been a pillar of support for us in the National Sports Commission in every aspect of sporting activities.
Speaking during the inauguration on behalf of the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende, appreciated Governor Sanwo – Olu for the confidence reposed in the Committee.
He assured that the LOC members would work tirelessly to deliver a successful tournament that would positively impact millions of Nigerians youths and position them for greater opportunities on global stage.
The Director – General of Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, also expressed the readiness of Lagos to host the maiden National Intermediate Games.
The National Intermediate Games is expected to bring together young athletes from across the country, providing a pathway for talent identification, development and national sprts growth.
