Lagos sets up LOC for National Intermediate Games News

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has approved the inauguration of the Local Organising Committee for the maiden edition of the National Intermediate Games, scheduled to be hosted by the state later this year.

The Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Sam Egube; Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende; and Chairman of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, will co-chair the LOC.

They have been tasked with delivering a world-class sporting spectacle that reflects the “Greater Lagos” vision.

Speaking on the significance of the development, the Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Fatodu—whose leadership has been instrumental in securing the hosting rights—praised the Governor’s proactive stance as a catalyst for a new era in youth sports development.

“Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has once again demonstrated that his commitment to the youth of this state and the nation is not merely rhetorical but deeply structural,” Fatodu said.

“By providing an unrivalled enabling environment and the political will to support our sporting initiatives, the Governor has turned Lagos into a hub for talent development. This initiative will serve as a vehicle to realise his vision of making sports a viable pathway for economic empowerment and national pride.”

Fatodu further emphasised that the Governor’s consistent support has strengthened the Commission institutionally, ensuring that the 2026 Intermediate Games will feature state-of-the-art technology and infrastructure meeting international standards.

Conceived as a bridge competition for athletes aged 16 to 19 transitioning from grassroots to elite national levels, the National Intermediate Games will provide a structured and competitive platform for participants from Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Lagos, with its modern sporting infrastructure and proven event management pedigree, was selected to host the inaugural edition, reinforcing its reputation as a hub of sporting excellence.

Also speaking, the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, said the choice of Lagos was a deliberate nod to the state’s track record in hosting large-scale sporting events.

“There is a unique energy that Lagos brings to national assignments, and with this high-calibre LOC, we are confident the National Intermediate Games are in capable hands,” Olopade said.

“We look forward to synergy between the National Sports Commission and the Lagos State Sports Commission that will set a lasting gold standard for youth competitions in Africa.”