LAGOS, NIGERIA – Lagos State is set to host the 2026 edition of the National Youth Games (NYG), with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu already mobilizing resources to ensure a successful event, according to the Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday night in Abeokuta, Fatodu revealed that many athletes who had previously left Lagos to represent other states in the ongoing 22nd National Sports Festival are now seeking a return, citing superior welfare and support in Lagos.
“Many athletes who left Lagos State to compete for other states, particularly in the South-South, are begging to return home. They’ve seen the difference in how we operate—with sincerity—compared to other states that just want to use and dump them,” Fatodu said.
He praised Governor Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to sports development, noting significant improvements in athlete welfare, including two salary increases for athletes and coaches in the past 12 to 16 months—a first in Nigeria’s sporting history.
“It’s not about throwing quick cash at athletes, but about planning for their future. Apart from building infrastructure, we’ve also revitalized school and grassroots sports. We even provide transportation for training across the state,” Fatodu added.
In preparation for the ongoing National Sports Festival, the state government reportedly added N50,000 to the allowances of its athletes. Fatodu emphasized that Lagos focuses on sustainable development rather than short-term incentives.
Commenting on the performance of Team Lagos at the ongoing festival in Ogun State, he expressed optimism: “The Games are still early, and I am confident that Team Lagos will finish among the top contenders. All we ask is a level playing field for all states.”
With the 2026 National Youth Games on the horizon, Lagos appears poised to further solidify its reputation as a hub for sports excellence and athlete-centered development.
