Lagos to host National Youth Games 2026 as Sports Commission DG Lekan Fatodu reaffirms readiness after facility inspections across the state
The Lagos to host National Youth Games 2026 bid has gained fresh momentum as the Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, reaffirmed the state’s readiness to stage the landmark 10th edition.
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Earlier this year, Lagos submitted its official bid, followed by a two-day facility inspection by top officials of the Lagos Sports Commission and the National Sports Commission (NSC).
The tour covered the Teslim Balogun Stadium, National Stadium, Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan, Elegbata Sports Complex, Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval, Rowe Park Sports Centre, University of Lagos Sports Complex, CMS Grammar School in Bariga, and Agege Stadium.
Speaking during the inspection, Fatodu emphasized Lagos’s proven experience in hosting international and national events.
“As an experienced host, Lagos is poised to stage a history-making edition of the Youth Games in 2026,” Fatodu said.
He added that Lagos views sports as a vehicle for unity and youth empowerment: “We want our history to serve as a tool for national cohesion, unity, and youth empowerment. This message will be reflected in our agenda, theme, and preparations.”
Amaka Ashiofu, NSC’s Director of Grassroots Sports Development, explained that the inspection was aimed at identifying areas for improvement while highlighting that hosting rights often spur states to develop their sporting infrastructure.
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Meanwhile, Delta State will host the 9th edition of the Games from August 26 to September 6, after which attention will shift to Lagos for the historic 2026 edition.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
