Sports
Lagos State Submits Bid to Host 2026 National Youth Games
Joel Ajayi
Lagos State has formally submitted its bid to host the 2026 edition of the National Youth Games, signaling its ambition to bring the prestigious event to Nigeria’s most populous and economically vibrant city.
The expression of interest was officially signed by the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, underscoring the state’s commitment to youth development and sports excellence.
In a statement accompanying the bid, the Lagos delegation noted that “with Lagos being Nigeria’s foremost economic and cultural epicenter, the State is committed to fostering sporting excellence and nurturing youth talent across the nation.”
The statement further emphasized Lagos State’s proven track record in organizing major sporting events. “Our state boasts a commendable legacy of successfully hosting national and international sporting events. With world-class facilities such as the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Mobolaji Johnson Arena, and Rowe Park, coupled with a robust accommodation landscape and an efficient transport network, Lagos is exceptionally equipped to deliver a seamless and memorable event for athletes, officials, and guests alike.”
The bid document was submitted on behalf of the Lagos State Government by a high-powered delegation led by the Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), Hon. Lekan Fatodu. Other members of the delegation included Mr. Nunayon Olumide Travih, Director of Sports, LSSC; Dr. (Mrs.) Oluyomi Oluwasanmi, Director of School Sports, LSSC; and Mr. Dare Orimoloye, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Sports.
Team Delta emerged champions of the last edition in 2024. The state won 46 gold, 31 silver, and 34 bronze, totalling 111 medals, and was announced as champions at the closing ceremony held at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, Delta State.
The National Youth Games (NYG) is a multi-sport event designed to discover and develop young, talented athletes. It serves as a platform for identifying potential athletes who can represent Nigeria in national and international competitions.
Sports
PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon Earns World Athletics Label
Nigeria’s foremost Sports Company, Nilayo Sports Management Limited (NSML) has announced the second edition of the PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon, set to light up Nigeria’s capital city on Saturday, December 6, 2025.
With the theme “Steady Strides,” this year’s race captures the measured rhythm and determined pace that define world-class long-distance running, a reflection of the steady progress and ambitious vision shaping the marathon’s evolution into a global platinum-labelled event.
In a historic milestone for Nigerian sports, the PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon has been officially awarded the prestigious World Athletics Label for its second edition, a distinction achieved in record time. This remarkable feat makes it the first marathon globally to earn the label so swiftly, underscoring both the organizational excellence of NSML and the dynamic rise of PremiumTrust Bank, currently celebrated as Nigeria’s fastest-growing commercial bank.
The 2025 edition is expected to attract elite international athletes, top local runners, and marathon enthusiasts from around the world, alongside officials from World Athletics who will oversee the competition.
Speaking on the announcement, Managing Director of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, Yetunde Olopade, expressed excitement about the unique partnership with PremiumTrust Bank.
“This second edition is fundamentally unique because it represents the first-ever true super-partnership on such a dynamic sports property in our nation and arguably, globally. PremiumTrust Bank is not just a sponsor but the sole partner anchoring the establishment, organization, and consolidation of a global marathon in Nigeria’s capital city.
” We are proud and grateful for the bank’s visionary leadership, which not only recognized the immense potential of the first edition but is now single-handedly driving the race toward international acclaim.”
Managing Director of PremiumTrust Bank, Dr. Emmanuel Efe Emefienim (CON) emphasized the shared values underpinning the partnership.
“PremiumTrust Bank is built on the philosophy of rapid, impactful, and sustainable growth, and the theme of this year’s marathon perfectly reflects our operational ethos.”
“Attaining World Athletics Label status in just the second year validates that our investment is yielding world-class outcomes. We are deeply proud to be the sole partner building this monumental legacy, reinforcing our commitment to sports development, community wellbeing, excellence, and platforms where champions are made.”
The PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon 2025 promises to be a spectacular celebration of endurance, athleticism, and community spirit, further strengthening Abuja’s status on the global racing calendar.
Registration for participants is currently open as it promises to be another marathon spectacle on the 6th of December 2025.
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