Lagos State is ready to host the first National Intermediate Sports Festival, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has said.b i8

The festival is scheduled to take place from October 1 to 15, 2026.

Sanwo-Olu gave the assurance on Saturday while inspecting rehabilitation work at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere, Lagos.

The governor said Lagos was given the hosting rights by the National Sports Commission and had accepted the opportunity to host the maiden edition of the festival.

He said the event would promote grassroots sports and give young athletes an opportunity to discover and develop their talents before moving on to elite competitions.

“About two months ago, we had the unique opportunity that the National Sports Commission handed over to Lagos, the hosting rights for the very first National Intermediate Sports Festival,” Sanwo-Olu said.

“We are going to be the first state and the first host of this sports festival that would help us do what we are all talking about. We want to hold grassroots sports.

“We want to encourage the young people before they begin to jump out and run away. We want to hold and develop all the children.”

The governor said between 14,000 and 15,000 athletes were expected to take part in the festival.

He added that facilities such as Rowe Park and other sports centres across the state would be used for the competition.

During the inspection, Sanwo-Olu visited the football and athletics arenas, indoor sports hall, volleyball court and swimming pool at Teslim Balogun Stadium.

He said the rehabilitation of sports facilities across Lagos was part of his administration’s plan to rebuild and improve sports infrastructure in the state.

According to him, sports facilities in Surulere, Ifako, Badagry, Ikorodu, Epe and Agege were among those being renovated.

Sanwo-Olu said major reconstruction work was ongoing at the main bowl of the Teslim Balogun Stadium.

He added that the football pitch had been upgraded to FIFA standards and fitted with natural grass.

The governor also said the tartan track was expected to be completed within the next four to six weeks.

Sanwo-Olu expressed confidence that Teslim Balogun Stadium and the other venues would be ready before the festival begins in October.

He also assured that the swimming pool and other remaining works would be completed on schedule.

The governor said hosting the first National Intermediate Sports Festival would further strengthen Lagos’ grassroots sports programme and provide young athletes with a pathway to compete at higher levels.