Eko 2026 Games Will Deepen Lagos’ Sports Leadership, Says Sanwo-Olu

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has reaffirmed the state’s commitment to strengthening its position as a leading sports hub, with the maiden National Intermediate Games, Eko 2026, expected to provide a major platform for grassroots talent development.

Sanwo-Olu made the declaration while inaugurating 44 chairmen of sports associations in Lagos, charging them to strengthen grassroots structures and establish clear pathways for young athletes to progress from schools to elite competition.

The Governor said Eko 2026 should not be viewed merely as another sporting competition but as part of a wider strategy to identify, develop and expose emerging talents to competitive sport.

He said the Games would give young athletes from across the country an opportunity to demonstrate their abilities, attract the attention of national selectors and begin the journey towards continental and international competition.

Sanwo-Olu, who has made youth development a key component of his administration’s T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda, also pledged to personally inspect ongoing renovation works at sporting facilities across Lagos ahead of the Games.

He pointed to Lagos’ performances at recent national competitions as evidence of the potential that could be unlocked when athletes are supported by adequate facilities, training and competition.

The Governor said Lagos needed to establish a seamless development pathway linking schools, training centres and competitive events to national teams and international championships.

He therefore urged the newly inaugurated sports association chairmen to prioritise grassroots development by identifying promising athletes and creating sustainable programmes that can turn them into high-level competitors.

Sanwo-Olu described their inauguration as an important step towards improving sports administration in the state, stressing that Lagos’ status as the Centre of Excellence should be reflected not only in talent discovery but also in the provision of quality training, regular competition and effective institutional support.

The Governor also highlighted the wider economic value of sports, describing it as a tool for promoting discipline, education, employment, entrepreneurship and economic development.

He said Eko 2026 could generate opportunities beyond competition, particularly in hospitality, transport, entertainment, media, technology, fitness and sports medicine.

Sanwo-Olu further called for stronger collaboration between government and the private sector, noting that increased private investment would provide a more sustainable foundation for sports infrastructure and athlete development.

The newly appointed association chairmen were also urged to maintain transparency, accountability and discipline in their administration, while ensuring that their respective sports have active competition calendars.

The Governor stressed the need for inclusive sports development, directing the associations to create greater opportunities for women and girls, persons with disabilities and other groups that remain underrepresented in competitive sport.

With preparations for Eko 2026 gathering pace, Lagos is seeking to use the Games not only to stage a major multi-sport event but also to strengthen its talent identification and development pipeline.