Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has reaffirmed the state’s readiness to host the maiden edition of the National Intermediate Games as the Main Organising Committee of the event inspected facilities across the state on Wednesday, The PUNCH reports. The National Intermediate Games, recently introduced by the National Sports Commission, is aimed at strengthening the transition from grassroots to elite sports for emerging athletes, with the inaugural edition scheduled for September. The MOC inspection team was led by the Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, who also expressed satisfaction with the state’s level of preparedness. During the tour, the committee inspected the ongoing rehabilitation work at Teslim Balogun Stadium, which is undergoing extensive upgrades, including a new playing surface and improvements to key infrastructure. Contractors handling the project assured the commission that work remains on schedule and that the stadium will be ready for delivery by September 2026. The delegation also inspected the indoor sports hall, basketball facilities and other competition venues expected to host various events during the Games. Governor Sanwo-Olu, who recently approved the appointment of the competition’s Local Organising Committee tasked with delivering a world-class event, highlighted Lagos State’s long-standing record of hosting major sporting events and creating opportunities for young athletes. “We will host the Games in a very excellent way because it reflects the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians and our commitment to youth and sports development. We will host the Games in a manner that will be the envy of stakeholders and custodians of sports across the country,” Sanwo-Olu said. “The National Sports Commission leadership has placed Nigerian sports on the right trajectory. The team is focused, purposeful and committed to results. The working relationship between the Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and the Director-General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, which has remained rancour-free, is very commendable and inspiring. “We are proud of what they are building, and their vision aligns perfectly with our own aspirations for sports development. “Sports is not magic; it is the product of deliberate planning, intentional investment and consistent execution. What the Commission is doing today gives confidence that Nigerian sports is moving in the right direction.” Olopade also praised the Lagos State Government for its preparations and commitment to ensuring the success of the competition. “Lagos has demonstrated commitment and readiness for the Games. It is significant that the first National Sports Festival was hosted in Lagos and now the maiden National Intermediate Games will also take place here. “The state’s track record speaks for itself. In the last year alone, Lagos became the first African city to host the E1 Powerboat World Championship and recently brought the Davis Cup back to Lagos for the first time in nearly two decades. “Lagos has shown tremendous commitment to hosting the maiden National Intermediate Games. What we have seen during this inspection exercise gives us confidence that the state is prepared to deliver a competition of the highest standards. “The National Intermediate Games is a critical component of our athlete development framework. It bridges the gap between youth sports and elite competition, providing a sustainable pathway for talent discovery, nurturing and progression. “We are encouraged by the level of collaboration we have received from Lagos State and all stakeholders.”
