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Organisers of the inaugural National Intermediate Games (EKO 2026) unveiled the official logo and mascot on Saturday, 10:50 UTC, marking a major milestone in preparations for the youth sports festival, scheduled for 1 to 15 October 2026. The ceremony took place at the Marriott Hotel in Ikeja and was attended by officials of the National Sports Commission (NSC), the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), members of the Main Organising Committee (MOC) and the Local Organising Committee (LOC).

Speaking after the ceremony, the Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, said the unveiling underscored the state’s readiness to host the maiden edition of the Games. Lekan Fatodu is a career sports administrator with over 20 years of experience, having previously worked as a coach and a sports journalist. He has been instrumental in developing grassroot sports in Lagos, and his appointment as Director-General was seen as a move to revitalize the state's sporting landscape.

Lekan Fatodu said the event would provide a platform for young athletes to showcase their talents, gain exposure and advance their sporting careers. The Director-General noted that renovation work at the Teslim Balogun Stadium was progressing according to schedule, while additional venues would be drawn from private institutions through strategic partnerships. Lagos has secured partnerships with private sports facilities, including the British International School in Leki, to ensure the Games are staged in world-class venues.

The Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, said Lagos was selected to host the inaugural edition because of its proven commitment to grassroots sports development. Bukola Olopade has been in the sports administration for over 15 years, serving in various capacities, including as a sports coach and a member of the NSC. He said the Intermediate Games were conceived to bridge the gap between the National Youth Games and the National Sports Festival, adding that the commission expects participation from all 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory and invited Nigerian athletes from the diaspora.

Bukola Olopade revealed that diaspora trials for eligible athletes would be held in London on 17 July, with successful participants joining the competition in Lagos. He said the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen talent identification and encourage young Nigerians abroad to represent the country at international competitions.

Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development Mobolaji Ogunlende, in a post on Facebook after the ceremony, described the unveiling as another significant milestone in preparations for the Games. Mobolaji Ogunlende, a career politician, has been instrumental in developing youth empowerment programs in Lagos, and his appointment as Commissioner was seen as a move to further enhance the state's youth development initiatives.

The National Intermediate Games is a new initiative of the National Sports Commission aimed at creating a structured pathway for athletes transitioning from youth competitions to elite-level sports. The maiden edition will be hosted by Lagos from 1 to 15 October 2026, with thousands of young athletes expected to compete across multiple sports.

The event will be held at various venues across Lagos, including the Teslim Balogun Stadium and the British International School in Lekki. The competition is expected to attract athletes from all 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory and invited Nigerian athletes from the diaspora.

According to Mr Olopade, the event will be broadcast live on television and online platforms, and will be attended by dignitaries from across the country.

The unveiling of the logo and mascot marks another significant milestone in the preparations for the National Intermediate Games.

### Key Facts

  • The National Intermediate Games is a new initiative of the National Sports Commission aimed at creating a structured pathway for athletes transitioning from youth competitions to elite-level sports.
  • The inaugural edition will be hosted by Lagos from 1 to 15 October 2026, with thousands of young athletes expected to compete across multiple sports.
  • The event will be held at various venues across Lagos, including the Teslim Balogun Stadium and the British International School in Lekki.
  • The competition is expected to attract athletes from all 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory and invited Nigerian athletes from the diaspora.

### Image Query

[Youth athletes in action at the National Intermediate Games]

### Image Description

Thousands of young athletes expected to compete at the National Intermediate Games, which will be held at various venues across Lagos from 1 to 15 October 2026.