Sanwo-Olu: Eko 2026 Will Strengthen Lagos’ Leadership in Sports Development

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to consolidating the state’s position as a leader in sports development, declaring that the maiden National Intermediate Games, tagged Eko 2026, will represent another major milestone in Lagos’ sporting journey.

Sanwo-Olu stated this during the inauguration of 44 chairmen of sports associations in Lagos, where he described the multi-sport event as more than a competition, but a strategic platform designed to discover, nurture and develop young athletes from across the country.

According to the Governor, Eko 2026 will provide emerging talents with the opportunity to showcase their abilities, attract the attention of national coaches and selectors, and begin the journey towards continental and global sporting excellence.

The Governor, who said youth development remains central to the Lagos State T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda, also pledged to personally inspect the ongoing renovation of sporting facilities across the state ahead of the Games.

He said Lagos’ recent successes at national sporting competitions had demonstrated what could be achieved when talented athletes were supported by a functional development system.

Sanwo-Olu stressed the need for the state to establish a seamless pathway that takes young athletes from schools to training grounds, competitive platforms and ultimately the national and international stages.

He charged the newly inaugurated sports association chairmen to place grassroots development at the centre of their responsibilities by identifying promising talents and creating sustainable structures capable of transforming them into future champions.

The Governor described the inauguration of the 44 chairmen as an important step towards repositioning sports administration in Lagos, adding that the state’s reputation as the Centre of Excellence must go beyond talent discovery.

According to him, Lagos must continue to provide the necessary training opportunities, competitive platforms and institutional frameworks needed to guarantee the long-term development and success of its athletes.

Sanwo-Olu also highlighted the wider economic importance of sports, describing it as a vehicle for discipline, education, employment, entrepreneurship and economic growth.

He noted that major sporting events such as Eko 2026 would create opportunities across several sectors, including hospitality, transportation, entertainment, media, technology, fitness and sports medicine.

The Governor further called for stronger collaboration between the government and the private sector, stressing that increased private investment was essential to building a stronger and more sustainable foundation for sports development and athlete growth in Lagos.

He also urged the newly inaugurated chairmen to uphold the highest standards of transparency, accountability and discipline in their leadership, while maintaining active competition calendars across their respective sports.

Sanwo-Olu added that inclusivity must remain a key priority, with deliberate efforts made to create opportunities for women, girls, persons with disabilities and other underrepresented groups.

The maiden National Intermediate Games, Eko 2026, is expected to bring together young athletes from across Nigeria as Lagos continues preparations to host what is projected to become a major platform for grassroots talent discovery and sports development in the country.