The Main Organising Committee (MOC) and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the maiden National Intermediate Games (EKO 2026), at the weekend, unveiled the official logo and mascot for the Games, which will run from October 1 to 15 across various centres in Lagos.

The unveiling ceremony, described as a major milestone in preparations for the gathering of youths, was held at the Marriott Hotel, Ikeja, with officials of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Lagos Sports Commission and members of the Main Organising Committee (MOC) and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) in attendance.

While the Eko 2026 is the Games’ Logo, LASGIDI was unveiled as the Mascot.

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 National Intermediate Games.

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

He added that the event would provide a platform for young athletes to showcase their talents, gain exposure, and advance their sporting careers.

Addressing concerns about facilities, Fatodu said renovation work at the Teslim Balogun Stadium was progressing according to schedule, adding that other venues would be drawn from private institutions through strategic partnerships.

“Everyone who has been to Teslim Balogun Stadium can tell you 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.

Fatodu disclosed that Lagos has secured partnerships with private sports facilities, including the British International School in Lekki, to ensure the Games are staged in world-class venues.

On his part, the Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, said that Lagos was selected to host the inaugural edition because of its proven commitment to grassroots sports development.

“Lagos had created a culture of grassroots development that is very scientific, where you see the obvious projection of a budding talent from primary school through secondary school to the elite level,” he said.

Olopade noted that the Intermediate Games was 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.

He revealed that diaspora trials for eligible athletes would be held in London on July 17, with successful participants joining the competition in Lagos, adding that 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.

The Chairman of the LOC, Sam Egube, who is the Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Sanwo-Olu, urged all members to contribute meaningfully to the success of the Games. “When the story of this Games is told, it will be remembered for the role you play. I thank you all for your contributions so far,” Egube stated.

The co-chairman, Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, described the unveiling as another significant milestone, just as he said the competition will inspire young athletes, promote excellence, and further strengthen Lagos’ position as Nigeria’s leading hub for sports development.