By; Otiede Dominic
Fascinating moment as the Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, led members of the Main Organising Committee (MOC) of the 2026 National Intermediate Games (NIG) on a courtesy visit to Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as preparations gather momentum for the maiden edition of the championship scheduled for October.
The visit, made up of a high profile Sport personality was held at Lagos State House, Marina, formed part of a three-day inspection and consultative tour by the NSC and the MOC to assess facilities and strengthen collaboration with the Lagos State Government ahead of the Games. The delegation inspected key sporting venues, athlete accommodation centres and support infrastructure earmarked for the competition.
While, the visit to Governor Sanwo-Olu led to the official inauguration of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the inaugural National Intermediate Games, charging members to approach their assignment with dedication, professionalism and a commitment to excellence.
Describing the Games as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future, the governor said the competition would serve as a platform for discovering and nurturing young talents while promoting national unity, social inclusion and cultural integration among youths from across the country.
“The Games represent more than a sporting event. They are an investment in the future of our young people, an avenue to strengthen national unity, and a vehicle to create sustainable opportunities through sports,” Sanwo-Olu stated.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Lagos State Government to delivering a successful championship, noting that the state would provide the necessary support to ensure a world-class event.
“Today, I received members of the Main Organising Committee of the Maiden National Intermediate Games Lagos 2026 on a courtesy visit at Lagos House, Marina. I also officially inaugurated the Local Organising Committee for the Games. This is an important step in our preparations to host a competition that will create opportunities for young athletes and promote sports development,” the governor said.
Morealso, Hon. Olopade commended the Lagos State Government for its sustained investment in sports infrastructure and youth development, describing Lagos as Nigeria’s foremost sports hub and an ideal host for the historic championship.
The NSC Director-General noted that the National Intermediate Games is one of the Commission’s most significant sports development initiatives, designed to bridge the gap between grassroots and elite sports while creating a sustainable pathway for young athletes aged 16 to 19 years. He expressed confidence that the synergy between the National Sports Commission and Lagos State would establish a new benchmark for youth competitions on the continent.
The National Intermediate Games was conceived by the NSC under the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy (RHINSE) to address the developmental gap between the National Youth Games and elite competitions. The tournament is expected to attract thousands of athletes from the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, providing a structured pathway for talent identification and development.
Responding on behalf of the newly inaugurated LOC, Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development and Co-Chairman of the committee, Mobolaji Ogunlende, thanked Governor Sanwo-Olu for the confidence reposed in the committee and assured that members would work diligently to deliver an exceptional tournament capable of transforming the lives of millions of Nigerian youths.
The maiden National Intermediate Games is scheduled to be held in Lagos from October 1st to October 15th, 2026, featuring 15 compulsory sports and serving as a critical platform for the discovery of future national and international champions.
