Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has served a bold assurance that The Centre of Excellence will host the maiden National Intermediate Games ‘in a very excellent way’ later this year, Sports247 reports.
READ ALSO: Ndidi Praises Super Eagles Performance as Moffi, Onuachu Fire Nigeria to Draw Against Poland
Sanwo-Olu’s assurance came after the Games’ Main Organising Committee (MOC) expressed satisfaction with the level of progress being made by the state, as seen during a comprehensive three-day inspection of facilities on ground.
The inspection delegation, which was led by National Sports Commission (NSC) director general, Honourable Bukola Olopade, took note of competition venues, accommodation facilities and support infrastructure across the state.
The tour covered key facilities like Teslim Balogun Stadium and National Stadium both in Surulere, National Institute for Sports (NIS) and Rowe Park Sports Centre, as well as the hostels of Yaba College of Technology and University of Lagos.
Other points visited during the tour included Elegbata Sports Centre, Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval and Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, which is being considered to host the opening and closing ceremonies.
The MOC concluded the exercise with a courtesy visit to Sanwo-Olu, who spoke about the state’s commitment to delivering a world-class event and assured the commission of his government’s readiness to host a memorable championship.
“We will host the Games in a very excellent way, because it reflects the aspirations of Nigerians and our commitment to youth and sports development. We will host Games that will be the envy of stakeholders and custodians of sports.
“Sports is not magic; it is the product of deliberate planning, intentional investment and consistent execution. What the Commission is doing today gives confidence that Nigerian sports is moving in the right direction,” the governor posited.
Sanwo-Olu, who also assured that all facilities will be ready on schedule, including Teslim Balogun Stadium, further highlighted Lagos State’s long-standing record of hosting major sporting events and creating opportunities for young athletes.
