The Lagos State Sports Trust Fund (LSSTF) has commenced the renovation of key sports facilities at the historic Mobolaji Johnson Sports Complex as part of preparations for the maiden National Intermediate Games scheduled to hold in October 2026.
The upgrade project will focus on the indoor sports hall and the long-abandoned squash courts at the complex, a venue widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most important centres for grassroots sports development.
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LSSTF Chairman, Wahid Oshodi, disclosed the plans during an inspection tour of the facility on Tuesday, reaffirming the Lagos State Government’s commitment to restoring the complex to international standards.
According to Oshodi, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has approved the comprehensive rehabilitation of the facility to ensure it once again serves as a hub for talent discovery and sports excellence.
“This is the home of talent discovery in Nigeria. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has approved that we update, renovate, and do whatever it takes to bring this facility back to international standard,” Oshodi stated.
He explained that work is already ongoing and will be accelerated to ensure completion before the end of September, ahead of the National Intermediate Games.
“We have just a few months, but work is ongoing. The plan now is to accelerate progress and ensure completion before the end of September,” he added.
Oshodi further praised the governor’s continued support for grassroots sports development, noting that the project is designed not only to host competitions but also to provide recreational opportunities for young people and help curb social vices through sports engagement.
Also speaking during the inspection, Lekan Fatodu, Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission and a member of the LSSTF Board, described the renovation as a significant milestone in Lagos State’s sports development agenda.
Fatodu said the project would restore the facility’s former glory while ensuring its long-term sustainability through proper maintenance.
“This is an opportunity to restore past glory while ensuring sustainability through proper maintenance. Whether for recreation or competition, the facility will serve its purpose,” he said.
He noted that hosting the National Intermediate Games presents Lagos with another opportunity to showcase its capacity to stage major sporting events.
“By mid-September, this facility will come alive again, ready to host over 12,000 athletes and officials. It will be a huge celebration of sport,” Fatodu added.
The National Intermediate Games is expected to attract thousands of young athletes from across the country and serve as a platform for talent identification and development, further strengthening Nigeria’s grassroots sports ecosystem.
