By Suad Ayinla.
Edited by Bababunmi Agbebi
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has declared that the state is ready to host the maiden National Intermediate Sports Festival, following an inspection of ongoing rehabilitation works at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere and other key sports facilities. The governor, who toured the venue assured that all upgrades would be completed before the October 1–15 competition, positioning Lagos to deliver a world-class event for thousands of young athletes from across Nigeria.
During the inspection, Governor Sanwo-Olu visited the main football and athletics arena, indoor sports hall, volleyball court and swimming pool at Teslim Balogun Stadium, one of the flagship venues for the festival. He noted that the main bowl of the stadium was undergoing major reconstruction, while the football pitch had been upgraded to FIFA standards and fitted with natural grass. The governor added that the new tartan track was expected to be completed within the next four to six weeks, as contractors worked to meet the tight deadline for the games.
Beyond the main stadium, the governor disclosed that extensive renovation is ongoing at the indoor sports hall, including the installation of roofing, seats, flooring and air-conditioning facilities. He identified the swimming pool at Teslim Balogun as an area requiring urgent attention, but assured that it would be upgraded in time, with the Olympic-sized pool at Rowe Park Sports Centre also available as a backup venue. Governor Sanwo-Olu further revealed that the state had embarked on a strategic rehabilitation programme covering about 10 stadia across Surulere, Ifako, Badagry, Epe, Agege and Ikorodu to support the festival.
The National Intermediate Sports Festival, branded “EKO 2026,” is designed to strengthen the pathway from grassroots sports to elite competition and provide young Nigerian athletes with a national platform to showcase their talents. A high-powered delegation from the National Sports Commission and the Main Organising Committee had earlier concluded a three-day inspection of competition venues, athlete accommodation and support infrastructure, expressing satisfaction with Lagos’ level of preparedness. With about 60 days to go, Sanwo-Olu said the remaining tasks centres on final cleaning, landscaping and general preparation of the stadium environment to ensure it is fully competition-ready
As Lagos gears up for the historic games, the governor’s inspection underscores the state’s commitment to using sports infrastructure as a catalyst for youth development and city branding.
