Lagos to Host Maiden National Intermediate Games, Inaugurates LOC

Lagos State is set to host the inaugural National Intermediate Games (NIG) in October 2026, marking a significant step in the advancement of sports development within Nigeria. Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu officially inaugurated the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the event, known as 'Lagos 2026,' charging the members to approach their duties with dedication and professionalism.

Governor Sanwo-Olu highlighted the games' crucial role in providing a platform for young athletes nationwide to discover and showcase their talents. He stated that the NIG represents an investment in the future of Nigerian youth, aiming to foster growth, excellence, social inclusion, national integration, and cultural exchange. The decision to host reflects Lagos State's deep commitment to youth empowerment and sports development.

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The games represent more than a sporting event. They are an investment into the future of our young people and an avenue to strengthen unity and create opportunities through sports.

"The games represent more than a sporting event. They are an investment into the future of our young people and an avenue to strengthen unity and create opportunities through sports," Governor Sanwo-Olu remarked during the inauguration ceremony at Lagos House, Marina. He also commended the ongoing reforms in the sports sector, emphasizing that sporting activities require deliberate and intentional investment to yield desired results.

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Sporting activities are not magic; they are a deliberate, intentional investment that you must build up on. You must create, follow up and follow through to get to the desire you want.

Hon. Bukola Olopade, Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), lauded Lagos State's consistent investment in sports infrastructure and youth development. He expressed strong confidence in the state's capacity to successfully host the maiden games, noting Lagos's leadership in hosting major sporting events. Olopade also pointed to the burgeoning global sports economy, projecting an $8.8 trillion market in the next two decades, with Lagos poised to have a significant footprint.

Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende, Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development and Co-Chairman of the LOC, expressed gratitude on behalf of the committee. The National Intermediate Games are anticipated to be a landmark event, reinforcing Lagos's position as a hub for sporting excellence and youth engagement in Nigeria.

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The 8.8 trillion dollar economy of sports that is going to happen in the next 20 years has Lagos with a footprint in it already. It is not a difficult decision for us to choose Lagos as the host state for the maiden National Intermediate Games. Lagos has been a pillar of support for us in the National Sports Commission in every aspect of sporting activities.