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Sanwo-Olu Inspects Teslim Balogun Stadium, Assures Lagos Is Ready for Historic National Intermediate Games
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has expressed satisfaction with the progress of rehabilitation works at the Teslim Balogun Stadium and other sporting facilities across the state as preparations intensify for the inaugural National Intermediate Games.
Sanwo-Olu inspected the facilities as Lagos steps up preparations to host the historic competition, which is designed to strengthen the pathway from grassroots sports to elite competition and provide young Nigerian athletes with a platform to develop their talents.
The governor said the rehabilitation of Teslim Balogun Stadium was progressing well, noting that the natural grass pitch has been completed, while work on the new tartan track is expected to be completed in the coming weeks.
Other facilities, including the indoor sports halls and swimming pools, are also undergoing upgrades ahead of the Games, with thousands of young athletes expected to converge on Lagos.
The National Intermediate Games was introduced by the National Sports Commission as part of efforts to bridge the gap between grassroots competitions and elite-level sport. The maiden edition is scheduled for September 2026, with Lagos selected as host.
Sanwo-Olu said the investment in sports infrastructure extends beyond hosting the Games, stressing that Lagos has spent the past three years rehabilitating and developing sporting facilities across several parts of the state.
“Our young people deserve quality facilities close to home. We want them to discover their talents, compete with confidence and see a future for themselves in sports right here in Nigeria,” the governor said.
He highlighted ongoing development across areas including Surulere, Ikorodu, Epe, Agege and Badagry, describing the projects as part of a broader strategy to bring sporting opportunities closer to young people across Lagos.
The governor also reaffirmed Lagos’ readiness to host the maiden National Intermediate Games to a high standard, building on the state’s reputation for staging major sporting events.
The Main Organising Committee of the Games, led by National Sports Commission Director-General Bukola Olopade, had earlier inspected competition venues, accommodation facilities and other support infrastructure across Lagos and expressed satisfaction with the state’s level of preparedness. Contractors handling the Teslim Balogun Stadium rehabilitation also indicated that the project remains on schedule for delivery ahead of the Games.
With work continuing across the city’s sporting infrastructure, Lagos is now preparing to welcome the next generation of Nigerian athletes for the maiden National Intermediate Games, with the competition expected to play a significant role in strengthening the country’s long-term talent-development pathway.
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Uzodinma: Okorocha's lawyer excited as court orders INEC to publish ex-gov's name as APC candidate
O.J. Aboje, counsel to former Imo State governor, Rochas Okorocha, has reacted to the Abuja Federal High Court judgment which removed incumbent governor, Hope Uzodinma, as the All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate for Imo West Senatorial District.
DAILY POST reports that the court, on Thursday, ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to publish Okorocha's name as the authentic winner of the APC senatorial primary election.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu, who delivered the judgment, also restrained Governor Uzodinma from parading himself as the ruling party's senatorial candidate for the January 16, 2027 election.
The court held that Uzodinma did not win the party's primary election conducted on May 18, 2026.
Reacting to the judgment, Okorocha's lawyer, who addressed journalists at the court premises, expressed excitement over the development.
He also declared that his client won the primary election, alleging that the ruling party wrongly submitted Uzodinma's name to INEC as its candidate.
He said, "The court was convinced that the primary election was won by Rochas Okorocha but most unfortunately, APC forwarded the name of the wrong person. Someone who does not win in the election.
"The court decided that at this juncture, the party does not have the right to forward the name of someone who does not win the election.
"Okorocha won the election and the court has ordered his name to be published. We give God the glory and we congratulate Rochas Okorocha and the people of his zone."
Uzodinma: Okorocha’s lawyer excited as court orders INEC to publish ex-gov’s name as APC candidate
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PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon Assures Runners Of Safety Ahead Of 14 November Race
The organisers of the PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon have assured runners of a safe and well-planned race, with special attention to the challenges of extreme heat.
Speaking in a video message, Emmanuel Odey, the Project Manager at Nilayo Sports Management Limited, the organisers of the race, warned athletes about the dangers of running in extreme heat and advised them to prepare properly.
“The world is bracing for a powerful El Niño, a climate phenomenon that can disrupt weather patterns worldwide and lead to extreme heat. Nigeria is a possible risk area, and runners must take the warning seriously.” Odey explained.
According to him, “Extreme heat is no joke. It can lead to dehydration and even life-threatening heat stroke if runners are not careful.”
He urged runners to “hydrate well, pace themselves and listen to their bodies at all times, even while training.”
To support the athletes on race day, Odey revealed that the organisers will provide chilled water at every 2.5 kilometres along the route. At the finish area, there will also be a cold water bath to help cool down the body of runners after the race.
He added “We will provide chilled water at every 2.5 kilometres along the route, and at the finish area, there will be a cold water bath to help cool down the body after the race.”
The race is scheduled for 14 November 2026. The start point is the Old Parade Ground opposite the Fire Station, while the start time is 6:30am. The finish line is the Velodrome at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
Odey concluded his message with a charge to all participants, “Respect the heat, run smart and finish strong. You are built for this.”
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