Eko 2026: Lagos Projects Over ₦100bn Economic Impact from National Intermediate Games
The Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the maiden National Intermediate Games, Eko 2026, has projected that the multi-sport event could generate more than ₦100 billion in economic activity for Lagos.
The Games, created by the National Sports Commission under President Bola Tinubu’s RHINSE programme, will hold in Lagos from October 1 to 15, bringing together between 13,000 and 15,000 athletes aged 15 to 18 from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Chairman of the LOC and Lagos State Deputy Chief of Staff, Sam Egube, said the anticipated economic impact would come largely from increased patronage of hotels, transportation, hospitality and small businesses during the Games.
‘The LOC is expecting Eko 2026 to generate a little above N100 billion because a lot of visitors will patronise hotels in Lagos during the Games, and there will be a lot of small-scale businesses for our people,’ Egube said.
He said the Games were designed to bridge the gap between grassroots youth sports and elite competition by identifying and nurturing athletes capable of progressing to the National Sports Festival, continental competitions and eventually the global stage.
Egube added that Lagos would draw on its experience of hosting major sporting events to deliver a competition that would showcase the state’s sporting infrastructure, culture, hospitality and tourism attractions.
Commissioner for Information and Strategy and Chairman of the Media and Publicity Sub-Committee, Gbenga Omotosho, said the state was committed to delivering an excellent first edition while ensuring that the Games provide a pathway for young talents to progress towards professional sports.
He disclosed that several sub-committees had been established to coordinate key areas including security, transportation and athletes’ welfare, while Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had personally inspected some of the facilities earmarked for the competition.
The venues earmarked for Eko 2026 include Teslim Balogun Stadium, the National Stadium Complex, the National Institute for Sports Complex, Rowe Park Sports Centre, Yaba College of Technology, University of Lagos sports facilities and hostels, Elegbata Sports Centre and the Cricket Oval at Tafawa Balewa Square.
Mobolaji Johnson Arena is also being considered for the opening and closing ceremonies.
