Lagos Set to Host Inaugural National Intermediate Sports Festival in October

Lagos State is fully prepared to host the maiden edition of the National Intermediate Sports Festival scheduled to run from October 1 to 15, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has confirmed.

Governor Sanwo-Olu gave the commitment following an inspection tour of ongoing rehabilitation works at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere, one of the primary venues designated for the two-week national event.

The hosting rights for the inaugural festival were awarded to Lagos State by the National Sports Commission. According to the governor, the initiative is designed to bolster grassroots sports development by providing a structured pathway for young talent to transition into elite athletic competition.

An estimated 14,000 to 15,000 athletes from across the country are expected to compete in the festival. In addition to the main complex at Surulere, event facilities will span several key locations, including Rowe Park and key sports centers across the state.

During his inspection of the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Sanwo-Olu reviewed progress on the main football arena, athletics track, indoor sports hall, volleyball courts, and swimming pool complex. He highlighted that the facility upgrades are part of a broader infrastructure master plan launched three years ago to renovate sporting venues across Lagos, including facilities in Ifako, Badagry, Ikorodu, Epe, and Agege.

Specific upgrades at the Teslim Balogun Stadium include the installation of a FIFA-standard natural grass pitch, alongside an upgraded tartan track scheduled for completion within four to six weeks.

The governor expressed confidence that all ongoing renovation projects across the state’s selected venues will be fully delivered ahead of the October kickoff.