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.
