Organisers of the maiden National Intermediate Games, Eko 2026, have projected that the event would boost the state’s economy to the tune of about N100 billion.

The 1st National Intermediate Games will hold in Lagos from October 1 to 15.

Speaking with journalists in Lagos, yesterday, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Sam Egube, said that Lagos State is preparing to host a Game that every Nigerian would be proud of.

Speaking on the economic impact of the Games, Egube, who is the Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said that “the LOC is expecting Eko 2026 to generate a little above N100 billion because a lot of visitors will patronise hotels in Lagos during the Games, and there will be a lot of small-scale businesses for our people.”

The LOC chairman disclosed that Eko 2026 will feature between 13,000 and 15, 000 athletes between the ages of 15 and 19 years from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Created by the National Sports Commission (NSC) under President Bola Tinubu’s RHINSE programme, the purpose of the Games, according to the chairman, is to bridge the gap between grassroots youth sports and elite senior competitions.

He said that both the LOC and the Main Organising Committee (MOC) are ready to host an excellent programme.

Egube said that the Games would provide opportunities to identify and nurture athletes capable of progressing to the National Sports Festival, continental competitions and eventually the global sporting stage.

He added that Lagos was leveraging its experience in hosting major international sporting events to deliver a world-class competition and further consolidate its position as Nigeria’s sports hub.

According to him, the Games would also provide an economic boost by creating opportunities for small businesses, while allowing visitors to experience Lagos’ culture, hospitality and tourist attractions.

Earlier, the state’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, had affirmed the state’s commitment to delivering an excellent first edition of the games.

Omotosho, who is the Chairman of the Media and Publicity Sub-Committee, said that the initiative was aimed at bridging the gap between young sporting talents and professional athletes by identifying and developing future stars.

He disclosed that various sub-committees had been set up to coordinate critical aspects of the Games, including security, transportation and athletes’ welfare, among others.

Omotosho added that Governor Sanwo-Olu had personally inspected some of the facilities to be used as part of preparations for the Games.

The Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), Lekan Fatodu, in his keynote address, described Lagos as a ‘serial trailblazer,’ assuring that the state would draw on its wealth of experience in hosting major sporting events to deliver a successful program.

Fatodu, who is the co-chairman of the LOC and Vice Chairman of the Main Organising Committee (MOC), assured that the LOC would ensure that the Games go beyond competition, serving as a platform for talent discovery, youth empowerment, national unity and grassroots sports development.

In his contribution, the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, said preparations were progressing rapidly, noting that the state had only 36 days to the commencement of the Games.

Ogunlende assured athletes, officials and visitors of a safe and memorable experience, while appealing to the media to provide accurate information, promote the state’s attractions and reassure participants of Lagos’ readiness to host the event.

The facilities to be used for the Games include the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere; the National Stadium Complex, Surulere; National Institute for Sports (NIS) Complex; 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 Mobolaji Johnson Arena, which is being considered as the venue for the opening and closing ceremonies.