EKO 2026: Sanwo-Olu inspects Lagos facilities ahead of National Intermediate Games

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has personally inspected the ongoing rehabilitation of sports facilities, signaling significant progress ahead of the inaugural EKO 2026 National Intermediate Sports Festival. The governor's visit focused on the Teslim Balogun Stadium and other key venues, underscoring the state's commitment to hosting thousands of young athletes from across Nigeria.

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The natural grass pitch is complete, while work on the new tartan track will be finished in the coming weeks.

During his inspection, Governor Sanwo-Olu confirmed that the natural-grass pitch at Teslim Balogun Stadium is now complete. He also provided an update on the new tartan track, stating that its completion is expected in the coming weeks. Upgrades are also underway for indoor halls, swimming pools, and other essential sports facilities to ensure they meet the standards required for the festival.

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Our indoor halls, swimming pools and other facilities are also being upgraded to receive the thousands of young athletes expected from across the country.

These facility upgrades are part of a broader, three-year initiative by the Lagos State government to invest in grassroots sports development. Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized the importance of providing quality facilities close to young people in areas like Surulere, Ikorodu, Epe, Agege, and Badagry, aiming to foster talent discovery and provide a clear future in sports within Nigeria.

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For the past three years, we have been rebuilding sports centres across Surulere, Ikorodu, Epe, Agege and Badagry, because our young people deserve quality facilities close to home.

The EKO 2026 Games, scheduled from October 1 to 15, 2026, are designed to serve as a crucial developmental stage for young athletes. The National Sports Commission conceived the festival as a structured pathway between the National Youth Games and the National Sports Festival, identifying and nurturing talent before they reach elite competition levels. Lagos was chosen as the host city due to its established infrastructure and commitment to sports.

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We want them to discover their talents, compete with confidence and see a future for themselves in sports right here in Nigeria.