EKO 2026: Lagos unveils logo, mascot for National Intermediate Games

Lagos is stepping up preparations for the inaugural National Intermediate Games (EKO 2026), scheduled to take place from October 1 to 15. A significant milestone was reached on Saturday with the unveiling of the official logo and mascot for the youth sports festival.

The ceremony, held at the Marriott Hotel in Ikeja, was attended by key officials from the National Sports Commission (NSC), the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), and organizing committees. Lekan Fatodu, Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, emphasized the state's commitment to hosting a spectacular event, fulfilling Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu's promise.

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What we are seeing today is a manifestation of the seriousness, the dedication, and the fulfilment of the promise made by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu that the National Intermediate Games is going to be a spectacular event that will go down in the history of sporting activities in Nigeria.

Fatodu highlighted that the games will serve as a crucial platform for young athletes to showcase their talents and gain exposure. He also addressed concerns about facilities, noting that renovation work at the Teslim Balogun Stadium is on schedule and that additional venues will be secured through partnerships with private institutions, including the British International School in Lekki.

Bukola Olopade, Director-General of the National Sports Commission, explained that Lagos was chosen to host due to its strong foundation in grassroots sports development. The Intermediate Games are designed to fill a gap between the National Youth Games and the National Sports Festival. The commission anticipates participation from all 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory, and Nigerian athletes residing abroad, with diaspora trials scheduled for London on July 17.

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Lagos had created a culture of grassroots development that is very scientific, where you see the obvious projection of a budding talent from primary school through secondary school to the elite level.