Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos has reaffirmed the state’s commitment in strengthening leadership in sports development.
According to him, the hosting of the maiden National Intermediate Games, tagged ‘EKO 2026’ will be a major milestone in the state’s sporting development.
This is contained in a statement by Gbenga Omotoso, Chairman, Media Publicity Sub-Committee of the LOC, on Wednesday in Lagos.
Newsmen report that the Games will hold in Lagos from Oct. 1 to Oct. 15, with no fewer than 15,000 athletes from the 36 states and the FCT, participating.
The governor said the Games were not merely a competition, but a strategic initiative to nurture young athletes from across the country.
He said the multi-sport initiative would provide young talents with an opportunity to showcase their skills and gain recognition from national handlers.
According to him, the event will also help emerging athletes begin their journey toward continental and global excellence.
Sanwo-Olu, who places youth development at the heart of the state’s T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda, pledged to personally inspect ongoing renovations of sports facilities across Lagos ahead of the games.
He said the state’s recent successes at national competitions showed what could be achieved when talents were supported by a functional system.
The governor added that there was need to build seamless pathway from schools to training grounds, competitions and ultimately, to national and international stages.
He urged newly inaugurated chairmen to prioritise grassroots development by identifying budding talents and creating sustainable structures to transform them into champions.
Sanwo-Olu described their appointment as a significant step toward repositioning sports administration in Lagos.
He said the state’s reputation as a Centre of Excellence must go beyond talent discovery to include training opportunities, competitive platforms and institutional frameworks that would guarantee long-term success.
According to him, sporting events are more than recreation, as they can promote discipline, education, employment, entrepreneurship and economic growth.
He noted that major sporting events such as EKO 2026 would create opportunities in hospitality, transportation, entertainment, media, technology, fitness and sports medicine.
Sanwo-Olu also emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between government and the private sector in sports development.
He said increased private investment would provide a stronger foundation for sports and athlete development in Lagos.
The governor charged the chairmen to uphold transparency, accountability and discipline in their leadership.
The LOC is chaired by Sam Egube, Deputy Chief of Staff to the governor.
Lekan Fatodu, Director-General, Lagos State Sports Commission, and Mobolaji Ogunlende, Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, are co-chairmen.