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The Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the maiden National Intermediate Games (EKO 2026) has officially unveiled the logo and mascot for the historic youth sports festival, marking another major milestone in preparations for the competition scheduled to hold in Lagos from October 1 to 15, 2026.

The unveiling ceremony, held at the Marriott Hotel, Ikeja, brought together key stakeholders from the National Sports Commission (NSC), Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), members of the Main Organising Committee (MOC), the Local Organising Committee (LOC), government officials, and partners committed to delivering Nigeria’s newest national multi sport event for young athletes.

The ceremony was led by the Chairman of the LOC and Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Sam Egube, alongside the committee’s Co Chairmen, Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr Lekan Fatodu, and the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr Mobolaji Ogunlende. Also in attendance was the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade.

The official Games logo reflects the identity, culture, and energy of Lagos. Its design incorporates iconic elements including the Eyo cap, the Opambata symbol, the “EKO” inscription, colourful swirls representing unity and diversity, and three ascending stars that symbolise aspiration, excellence, and the future of Nigerian sports.

The official mascot, named Lasgidi, was also unveiled as the youthful face of the Games. Inspired by the dolphin, a symbol closely associated with Lagos as the City of Aquatic Splendour, Lasgidi embodies energy, resilience, confidence, and the vibrant spirit of the state’s young people.

Speaking during the unveiling, LOC Chairman, Mr Sam Egube, described the occasion as the ideal launchpad for the inaugural edition of the Games.

“We are happy that we are able to gather for this event and, when the story is told, we will be glad that we were part of it from the very first day,” he said.

Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, said Lagos earned the right to host the maiden edition because of its sustained commitment to grassroots sports development and talent nurturing.

“This is very proactive, and this is what we are looking forward to. Lagos has consistently shown that it can lead from the front and bridge the gap that exists in our sports.

“It is not only about organising this event. Lagos has a Sports Commission that has elevated school sports and nurtured young talents to the highest level. It is only fitting that the next stage of growth begins here, with Lagos showcasing that we can do things better than many people expect.”

Olopade explained that the National Intermediate Games were created to bridge the developmental gap between the National Youth Games and the National Sports Festival, providing a structured pathway for athletes transitioning into elite competition.

He added that the Commission expects participation from all 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory, and invited Nigerian athletes from the diaspora. According to him, diaspora trials for eligible athletes will take place in London on July 17, with successful participants joining the Games in Lagos.

He noted that the initiative supports the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening talent identification while creating opportunities for young Nigerians across the world to represent the country at future international competitions.

Presenting the Games’ brand identity, Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission and LOC Co Chairman, Mr Lekan Fatodu, said the unveiling reflected Lagos State’s readiness and determination to stage a world class sporting event.

“What we are seeing today is a manifestation of the seriousness, dedication and fulfilment of the promise made by Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu that the National Intermediate Games will be a spectacular event that will go down in the history of sporting activities in Nigeria.”

He added that the Games would provide a platform for young athletes to showcase their talents, gain national exposure, and progress towards higher levels of competition.

Fatodu also assured stakeholders that preparations across competition venues were progressing according to schedule. He disclosed that renovation works at the Teslim Balogun Stadium had reached an advanced stage, while strategic partnerships with private sports facilities, including the British International School, Lekki, would complement existing public infrastructure to ensure world class competition venues.

“Everyone who has been to Teslim Balogun Stadium can tell us that the place has been a construction site for the past few months, and we are accelerating work to ensure contractors meet the timelines,” he said.

Also speaking, Commissioner for Youth and Social Development and LOC Co Chairman, Mr Mobolaji Ogunlende, described the unveiling as another significant milestone in preparations for the Games.

According to him, the competition will inspire young athletes, promote sporting excellence, encourage youth development, and further strengthen Lagos’ position as Nigeria’s leading hub for sports development.

The National Intermediate Games is a flagship initiative of the National Sports Commission designed to strengthen Nigeria’s athlete development pathway by creating sustained opportunities for young talents between the grassroots and elite levels. Hosted by Lagos State, the maiden edition of EKO 2026 is expected to attract thousands of athletes from across Nigeria and beyond in what promises to become one of the country’s premier youth sporting events.

The Chairman of the Local Organising Committee for the EKO 2026 National Intermediate Games, Sam Egube, has charged members of the committee and its sub-committees to deliver a sporting event that will set a new standard for national competitions in Nigeria.

Mr Egube spoke at the inaugural meeting of the Local Organising Committee held at the Conference Room of the Chief of Staff, Governor’s Office, Alausa, Ikeja.

The Games, scheduled to hold from 1 to 15 October across sporting centres in Lagos, are expected to attract between 13,000 and 15,000 athletes from across the country.

Mr Egube, who is also the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Lagos State Governor, said the responsibility before the committee required focus, maturity and collective decision-making.

“We have men and women capable of hosting the best Games ever in the history of this country, and I am convinced we will make Lagos and Nigeria proud,” he said.

“To host Games of this magnitude requires wisdom and maturity. We must also be willing to submit to the will of the majority.”

The LOC chairman also warned members against introducing political discussions and unrelated matters into official communication platforms created for the Games.

“Any platform created for these National Intermediate Games must not be used to discuss election results, political campaigns, sing the praises of political leaders or celebrate family birthdays,” Mr Egube said.

“It should be used purely for issues concerning the Games and how Lagos can host a successful event.”

He urged members to remain focused on delivering a competition that would earn national recognition and leave a lasting standard for future editions of the Games.

Earlier, the Lagos State Government constituted 13 sub-committees to support the planning and delivery of the maiden National Intermediate Games.

The Co-Chairman of the LOC and Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, said between 13,000 and 15,000 athletes are expected to participate in the competition.

Mr Fatodu said EKO 2026 would mark Lagos’ first major national multi-sport hosting assignment since the EKO 2012 National Sports Festival 14 years ago.

“It is the first time in 14 years that Lagos is hosting another major sporting event after the EKO 2012 National Sports Festival, and all members of the LOC and sub-committees must brace up to give it the best it deserves,” he said.

The National Intermediate Games will hold across various sporting centres in Lagos from October 1- 15 2026.

The Main Organizing Committe (MOC) for the National Intermediate Games has expressed satisfaction with the level of preparation by Lagos State to host the maiden edition of the Games.

This vote of confidence followed a comprehensive three-day inspection of competition venues, athlete accommodation facilities and support infrastructure across the state.

The delegation led by the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NOC), Bukola Olopade concluded the inspection exercise with a courtesy visit to the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

The inspection tour covered key facilities earmarked for the Games, including the Teslim Balogun Stadium, National Stadium Complex Surulere, National Institute for Sports (NIS), Rowe Park Sports Centre, Yaba College of Technology, University of Lagos sports facilities and hostels, Elegbata Sports Centre, the Cricket Oval at Tafawa Balewa Square, and the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, which is being considered for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies.

Speaking during the courtesy visit, Governor Sanwo-Olu assured the Commission of Lagos State’s readiness to host a successful and memorable championship.

“We will host the Games in a very excellent way because it reflects the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians and our commitment to youth and sports development.”

Director General of the NSC, Olopade, praised the Lagos State Government for its preparations and commitment to ensuring the success of the competition.

“Lagos has shown tremendous commitment to hosting the maiden National Intermediate Games. What we have seen during this inspection exercise gives us confidence that the state is prepared to deliver a competition of the highest standards,” he said.

The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday inaugurated the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the maiden edition of the National Intermediate Games (NIG), tagged: Lagos 2026.”

Sanwo-Olu charged the LOC members to approach the assignment with dedication, professionalism, and a clear sense of purpose.

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony held at the Banquet Hall of Lagos House, Marina, he described the LOC’s responsibility as a significant step towards advancing sports development in Nigeria.

He said the National Intermediate Games will provide a platform for young athletes across the country to discover and showcase their talents while creating opportunities for growth and excellence in sports.

He said Lagos State’s decision to host the competition in October 2026 reflects its commitment to youth empowerment and sports development, noting that the event would also foster social inclusion, national integration and cultural exchange among participants from different parts of the country.

Sanwo-Olu said: “The games represent more than a sporting event. “They are an investment into the future of our young people and an avenue to strengthen unity and create opportunities through sports.”

Speaking during a courtesy visit by members of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), led by the Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, Governor Sanwo-Olu said his administration holds sporting activities in high esteem and will continue to put sports in a position it belongs.

He commended the reforms spearheaded by both the Director-General and the Chairman of the National Sports Commission for putting sports and sporting activities on an impressive trajectory.

He said: “Sporting activities are not magic; they are a deliberate, intentional investment that you must build up on.

“You must create, follow up and follow through to get to the desire you want.”

Olopade commended the Lagos State Government for its sustained investment in sports infrastructure and youth development.

He noted that Lagos had consistently demonstrated leadership in hosting major sporting events and expressed confidence in Lagos State’s capacity to successfully host the maiden National Intermediate Games.

He said: “The $8.8 trillion economy of sports that is going to happen in the next 20 years has Lagos with a footprint in it already.

“It is not a difficult decision for us to choose Lagos as the host state for the maiden National Intermediate Games.

“Lagos has been a pillar of support for us in the National Sports Commission in every aspect of sporting activities.”

Speaking during the inauguration on behalf of the Local Organising Committee, Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development and Co-Chairman of the LOC, Mobolaji Ogunlende, appreciated Governor Sanwo-Olu for the confidence reposed in the committee.

Ogunlende assured that Local Organising Committee members would work tirelessly to deliver a successful tournament that would positively impact millions of Nigerian youths and position them for greater opportunities on the global stage.

The Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, also expressed the readiness of Lagos to host the maiden National Intermediate Games.

The National Intermediate Games is expected to bring together young athletes from across the country, providing a pathway for talent identification, development and national sports growth.