Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has inspectsd major rehabilitation works at Teslim Balogun Stadium, vowing completion ahead of October games
At least no fewer than 14,000–15,000 athletes are expected; to participate in the multiple state venues to be used
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Saturday inspected ongoing renovation works at Teslim Balogun Stadium, saying the upgrades are on track as the state prepares to host the maiden National Intermediate Sports Festival from October 1 to 15.
Leading a site tour in Surulere, the governor checked the main football and athletics arenas, indoor sports hall, volleyball court and swimming pool.
He said the stadium’s main bowl is undergoing major reconstruction, the football pitch has been upgraded to FIFA standards with natural grass already laid, and the tartan athletics track is expected to be completed within four to six weeks.
Sanwo-Olu described the stadium rehabilitation as part of a broader, three-year strategy to rebuild and upgrade sporting infrastructure across Lagos, including facilities in Surulere, Ifako, Bagada, Ikorodu, Epe, Agege and Badagry.
He expressed confidence that Teslim Balogun and other venues will meet international standards ahead of the October festival, and that remaining works — including the swimming pool — will be finished within the allotted timeframe.
The governor said Lagos accepted hosting rights awarded by the National Sports Commission to showcase the state’s commitment to grassroots development and to provide a platform for emerging talent. He noted that an estimated 14,000 to 15,000 athletes are expected to participate, with Rowe Park and other centres across the state also earmarked for events.
“We are going to be the first state and the first host of this sports festival that would help us do what we are all talking about. We want to hold grassroots sports. We want to encourage the young people before they begin to jump out and run away. We want to hold and develop all the children,” Sanwo-Olu said, reiterating the urgency to complete upgrades following Lagos’s selection as host.
The accelerated renovation push aims to leave a lasting legacy of modern, competition-ready facilities while supporting the success of the inaugural National Intermediate Sports Festival.
