In demonstration of the State’s readiness to host the maiden edition of the National Intermediate Games coming up later this year, the Lagos State Sports Commission has unveiled the Games Mascot and Logo in Ikeja at a brief ceremony.
The unveiling, marked the commencement of activities by top state government officials, dignitaries, sports administration, and enthusiasts from across the length and breadth of the country.
Honourable Lekan Fatodu, Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission and Chairman of the Local Organising Committee in his address, said the state has demonstrated its preparedness through the constitution of various committees with the right people and the unveiling of Games Identity.
He noted that these actions not only proved state’s readiness to host the competition successfully, but also to do so in a manner never before witnessed in the annals of sporting activities in the country.
“What we are seeing today is the manifestation of the seriousness, dedication, fulfilment of the promise made by Governor Babajide Sanwo – Olu, that the National Intermediate Games will be a spectacular event that will go down in history of sporting activities in Nigeria,” he said.
“This unveiling of identity is campaign collateral for the event. What this means is that if anyone had been in doubt about our readiness to deliver this event, this is a demonstration that we are more than prepared. We are ensuring that Nigerians particularly our young athletes will have an opportunity to showcase their talents, be identify, and occupy greater platforms to advance their careers. It will also allow them to exploring wider space of sports for growth, self development, and support the socio – economic advancement of the country,” he said.
Hon. Fatodu added that the state is working assiduously to ensure that all designated facilities across the state for the Games are not only ready but are in top – notch condition.
He said contractors are under intense pressure to meet the set timelines, adding that the state is also engaging private sports facilities such as the British International School, to give sporting talents the best experience.
“Everyone who has been to the Teslim Balogun Stadium can attest that it has been a construction site for past few months. And we are accelerating, putting fire on the feet of the contractors to ensure that they meet the deliverables and timelines for the project,” he said.
He continued “Lagos State is blessed with many private facilities, particularly in our private schools. We have established a fantastic partnership with the British International School in Oniru.
“Even with the World Cup that is ongoing, there is a reason why they are doing a three country sporting event: Mexico, Canada, and the United States. We partners so that we can give our athletes the opportunity to enjoy the best of their sports in a befitting sporting facilities. From that point of view, all our facilities will come on stream and be used for that purpose. We are committed to ensuring that beyond the event, we will continue to maintain the facilities in a way that will be useful for identification and development of talents.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olapade, in lending credence to the national body ceding the maiden hosting rights to Lagos State, said the decision was based not only on capability but on the state’s culture of excellence in scientific grassroots development.
He said, “Lagos State has created a culture of grassroots development that is very scientific, where you see clear projection of budding talents from Primary School through Secondary School of the elite level.
“So in bridging the gap between the Youth Games and National Sports Festival, it was only auspicious for us to take it to a state that understands the value of youth and elite development. At last National Youth Games in Delta, Lagos presented almost 70% of School children as athletes, and they thrived. They won the Youth Games.
“So, from the beginning, I thought that giving them the hosting rights for the first National Intermediate Games was the perfect decision. And I’m glad and thankful that the Governor agreed to host this. You can see for yourself what we have been discussing behind the scenes point towards a great Games that we are going to enjoy from the first to the last day,” he stated.
Hon. Olapade also disclosed that Nigerian children in the diaspora would participate as the 38th State in the National Intermediate Games. He said trials for children within the eligible age bracket will be held on 17th July in London, in a demonstration of using sports to reach out to Nigerian children in diaspora and to show that the country cares for them wherever they are.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has always said that no matter where you are, if you are a Nigerian, the country cares about you. The father of the nation cares about you. You can see how we are using sports to reach out to thousands of diaspora children, some of whom have never been to Nigeria before.
“What we are also doing is to let our talents know that Nigeria is ready to cater for, look after, and nurture them, so that in the final analysis, they will be freed to represent Nigeria at International events rather than being poached by other countries with the claim of nurturing and training them,” he said.
The Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende, and the Deputy Chief of Staff, who also doubles as Co – Chairman to the Games, Hon. Sam Egube were also present to demonstrate Lagos State readiness to deliver and host a spectacular Games.
