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.
