Lagos State is set to welcome thousands of young athletes from across Nigeria for the maiden National Intermediate Games, scheduled to hold from October 1 to 15, 2026.
Between 10,000 and 15,000 athletes aged 15 to 18 are expected to participate in 28 sporting disciplines at venues across the state.
The Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Sam Egube, disclosed this at a media parley in Lagos, describing the games as an important platform for youth development, national unity and grassroots sports.
Egube said the competition would provide a pathway for discovering and nurturing talents for the National Sports Festival, continental competitions and the global sporting stage.
He said Lagos was leveraging its experience in hosting major international events to deliver a world-class competition and further strengthen its position as Nigeria’s sports hub.
According to him, the games will also stimulate economic activity by creating opportunities for small businesses and showcasing Lagos’ culture and attractions to visitors.
The Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, said the state had only 37 days to the commencement of the games and was working round the clock to ensure a safe and memorable experience for athletes and visitors.
He appealed to the media to help project accurate information about the games, promote Lagos’ attractions and reassure participants that the state was ready to host them.
The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, said Lagos was committed to delivering an excellent first edition of the games.
Omotoso said the initiative was designed to bridge the gap between young sporting talents and professional athletes by identifying and developing future stars.
He disclosed that various subcommittees had been established to oversee security, transportation, athletes’ welfare and other critical aspects of the event.
He added that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had personally inspected some of the sporting facilities as part of preparations for the games.
The Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lanre Fatodu, described Lagos as a serial trailblazer, assuring that the state would draw on its experience in hosting major sporting events to deliver a successful competition.
