Rowe Park gets makeover for upcoming Intermediate Games

One of the venues for the first National Intermediate Games, called EKO 2026, is Rowe Park Sports Centre in Yaba. The indoor sports hall and squash courts have a fresh new look ahead of the competition set for October 1-15.

With just over a month to go before the Games, the Lagos State Sports Trust Fund has confirmed that work on the renovations is moving fast. They have been leading the effort to improve this facility and others around the state.

The project was given to Messrs Intermol Consult Limited less than two weeks ago. It is expected to be finished soon under the leadership of LSSTF Chairman Wahid Oshodi.

LSSTF Executive Secretary Olaposi Agunbiade visited the site on Wednesday. He was pleased with how quickly work was progressing.

"I am more than impressed. With the speed and quality I’ve seen, I’m confident Rowe Park will be ready by mid-September, ahead of schedule. This is achievable, and I commend the contractor for their dedication," he said.

Agunbiade also thanked Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for releasing funds on time. He highlighted Lagos State’s strong commitment to sports development.

He encouraged donors to support future projects to improve the state’s sports facilities.

Arc. Niyi Lawal, who represents Intermol Consult Limited, spoke about the renovation. He said it was a challenge they were ready to tackle with hard work.

"We initially quoted three months, but accepted the six-week target. Our engineers have been working day and night, even redeploying staff from Abuja, to meet the deadline. By the third week of September, the Indoor Hall and squash courts will be fully operational," Lawal assured.

Other facilities getting renovations for the Intermediate Games include the main bowl and indoor hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium. This stadium will host most of the events during the Games.

Additional facilities include the National Stadium in Surulere, Agege Township Stadium, Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan, and the Elegbata Sports Complex.

The Local Organizing Committee has also secured access to other facilities. This includes the Lagos Tennis Club in Onikan, TBS Cricket Oval, Yaba College of Technology, and the University of Lagos.