Author Archives: fuadore

 

The Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) has strengthened its global sports drive and agenda with a high-level diplomatic engagement as the delegation from British Cycling paid a working visit to the Commission, reinforcing LSSC’s commitment to leveraging sports as an instrument for diplomacy, institutional learning, and sustainable development.

The delegation, led by Ms. Amy Gardner, Sport and Participation Director at British Cycling, held discussions with the management of the Commission on areas of collaboration, with emphasis on knowledge exchange and skill transfer aimed at enhancing technical capacity and the cycling culture in Lagos State.

Speaking during the visit, the Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr. Lekan Fatodu, described the engagement as a deliberate and outcome-focused step in Lagos State’s broader sports development strategy.

“Sports has become a powerful tool for diplomacy and development,” Fatodu said. “Our commitment to knowledge exchange and skill transfer with British Cycling is intentional and practical. It is about strengthening our technical capacity, deepening institutional competence, and ensuring that global best practices are adapted in ways that deliver measurable value for athletes, coaches, sports administrators, and cyclists in Lagos, to impact sports, recreation, and urban mobility.”

Fatodu also attributed the Commission’s growing international outlook and readiness for credible partnerships to the strong policy direction, institutional support, and enabling environment provided by the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led administration, stating that this has created the confidence and capacity for Lagos to engage credibly with international partners and pursue excellence across the sports value chain.

In her remarks, Gardner commended the Commission for its openness to collaboration, noting that British Cycling was keen on partnerships and collaboration that promote value exchange through shared learning, commercial opportunities and sustainable development.

“We are impressed by the ambition and clarity of purpose shown by the Lagos State Sports Commission,” she said. “There is clear potential for knowledge sharing and skill transfer that can support participation, develop people, and contribute to the long-term growth of cycling.”

The British Cycling delegation expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, noting Lagos State’s growing reputation as a progressive force in African sports. They commended the Lagos State Sports Commission’s professionalism and strategic vision, highlighting the potential for Lagos to become a continental leader in cycling development.

Both parties agreed to formalise the partnership through a structured framework that will include exchange programmes, technical workshops, and collaborative action on sports development. As Lagos State continues to strengthen its position as a global sports destination, this collaboration with British Cycling represents a strategic step toward achieving international standards in cycling while reinforcing the state’s commitment to using sports as a vehicle for youth empowerment, international cooperation, and national pride.

 

In a bold move to redefine the future of sports in Lagos, the Lagos State Sports Commission has launched a new Athlete Portal with biometric ID integration, opening fresh opportunities for young and passionate talents to be discovered, tracked, and supported.

Revealing this at a press conference held at the Commission’s Conference Room, the Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr. Lekan Fatodu, emphasised the critical role of data, transparency, and accountability in driving sustainable sports growth.

Fatodu explained that the Commission is determined to reposition sports in Lagos by embracing innovation, streamlining athlete management, and creating a roadmap that prioritises grassroots development, talent nurturing, and athlete welfare.

“Prior to now, there has never been a central database to identify our athletes and manage their performance. To address this, we are introducing an online portal for the enlistment of senior athletes, monitoring, and performance evaluation,” the Director General asserted.

He further unveiled the Lagos Sports Development Reforms, Renewed Grassroots Framework, and Roadmap to Athletes’ Revitalisation, noting that these structures will ensure sports in Lagos are governed with digital transparency and an athlete-first approach

Announcing that prospective athletes can register at https://lssc.lg.gov.ng/athlete-registration/ to be enlisted, profiled, and monitored through the new digital system, Fatodu assured that reconstituted teams would return with renewed discipline, stronger energy, and a competitive spirit.

As part of the reforms, he revealed that the Commission will introduce biometric data capture for proper profiling, access to facilities, monitoring, and career sustainability programmes for athletes, especially in preparation for life after active competition.

The Director-General, @lagossportscomm @lf_champ  has reiterated the government’s commitment to athletes’ welfare, structured training programme, and the provision of an enabling environment for sustainable sports development across all disciplines.

Speaking at his office at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, during a meeting with some of  dissolved athletes who came to dialogue with him, Fatodu explained that the demands of the dissolved athletes were not obligatory. He noted that government support is discretionary, stressing that the state continues to encourage athletes who are energized, determined, positive, and display a strong fighting spirit in order to foster sporting excellence.

He said: “What I know is within my capacity is to plead for your welfare, training support, accommodation, and kits. Things have improved through the unwavering support of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in ensuring that athletes’ needs are met in real time,” he not

He further emphasized that there has been no delay in the disbursement of statutory grants and competition allowances for the athletes. He added that the pride of riding in Team Lagos branded buses was made possible by the indefatigable Governor, who remains passionate about improving the conditions of athletes in the state.

The DG stressed that athletes must show gratitude and cooperation, noting that the government will not relent in its efforts to advance sports development in Lagos.

“In Lagos, we have many programmes and initiatives strategically designed to discover and nurture young talents. Those identified are supported to further hone their skills across different sporting disciplines. We are focused on amateur sports development. There should also be a moment of transition, and we are supporting our athletes in every aspect, even better than some other states,” he said.

Fatodu added that Team Lagos is well-positioned to determine the best athletes, assuring that those who excel will be better protected through the state’s support

“We need to let them know that if you are truly part of Team Lagos, you must have the winning attitude – the attitude of a champion. We must create a system with proper rules and regulations so that everyone can conduct themselves as good ambassadors of the state,” he submitted.

The DG further stated that the commission is fully prepared to support those committed to the true vision and mandate of excellence being driven by Lagos State. He also revealed that with the introduction of technology in the management and administration of sports is part of strategies to identify and support the growth athletes.

_“Those who assaulted our staff will be identified, and will face the full wrath of the law”, says DG, Lagos State Sports Commission_

The Lagos State Sports Commission has reaffirmed its decision to dissolve Senior Team Lagos, a move aimed at injecting fresh energy, renewed discipline, and a stronger competitive spirit into the state’s sporting programs.

Speaking on the development, the Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission expressed dismay over the recent actions of some purported members of the Senior Team Lagos, who staged a protest at Alausa Secretariat, demanding unmerited cash rewards of their subpar outing at the 2020 National Sports Festival and their uninspiring  showing at the last National Sports Festival, Gateway 2024.

“This decision was not taken lightly. It was informed by the underwhelming outcomes of Senior Team Lagos at the National Sports Festival and the need to reposition Lagos sports for excellence,” the Director General stated.

“We are committed to building a system that celebrates merit, hard work, and dedication. The dissolution of the team paves the way for new, talented athletes who are ready to give their best and make the state proud on the national stage.”

The Commission clarified that the athletes’ claim for financial rewards for the 2020 and 2024 National Sports Festivals was unfounded. Rewards for outstanding performances, the Commission explained, are discretionary and not automatic entitlements. The government has consistently fulfilled its statutory obligations by paying athletes’ allowances, providing welfare support, funding training programs, and ensuring upkeep promptly during all competitions.

“It is disheartening that some individuals, including impostors parading themselves as spokespersons of the dissolved team, are attempting to mislead the public.The generosity of Mr. Governor towards Lagos athletes must never be taken for granted or abused. This administration has consistently fulfilled its promises to athletes and often gone beyond what was promised, ensuring prompt payment of allowances and monthly grants,” the Director General emphasized.

The Commission further revealed that intelligence reports indicated the protest was deliberately orchestrated following the announcement by Mr. Governor to host the victorious Under-15 Team Lagos athletes, who recently triumphed in Asaba, claiming the championship trophy for the first time in the state’s history.

Reiterating the state’s zero-tolerance stance on misconduct, violence, or intimidation, the Director General assured the public that those behind the assault on the Commission’s staff member during the misguided protest will be identified and made to face the full weight of the law.

The DG emphasized that while the state government values its athletes and remains committed to supporting their growth and welfare, no grievance justifies resorting to lawlessness. 

He warned that future acts of assault, harassment, or attempts to disrupt the operations of the Commission would attract immediate legal action, including arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators. 

According to him, discipline and respect for due process are essential for the development of sports in Lagos State, and the Commission will not hesitate to enforce them.

The Lagos State Sports Commission remains resolute in its mission to raise a new generation of disciplined, competitive, and passionate athletes who will make Lagos proud and continue the state’s tradition of sporting excellence.

…we have regained our status as the powerhouse of developmental sports in Nigeria – DG Lagos State Sports Commission, Hon. Lekan Fatodu

Team Lagos has made history by winning the 9th National Youth Games in Asaba, claiming the overall title for the first time since the inception of the U-15 Championship in 2013.

The triumph delivered a stunning twist to the national youth games narrative as Team Lagos dethroned perennial winners and defending champions, Team Delta, who had dominated the Games since its inception.

Lagos secured 51 gold, 31 silver, and 24 bronze medals, finishing ahead of Edo, which had 33 gold, 16 silver, and 27 bronze. Delta state, which had been the champion since inception, placed third with 32 gold, 36 silver, and 39 bronze.

The team excelled across multiple sports, including swimming, gymnastics, Cycling, Boxing, athletics, football, basketball, volleyball, chess and wushu-kungfu, underlining the depth of talent within the state.

Director General, Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, described the victory as clear evidence of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to grassroots sports development, highlighting investments in infrastructure, scouting, and talent nurturing.

This historic triumph reinforces Lagos State’s status as Nigeria’s sporting epicentre, validating its long-standing reputation as the engine room of the nation’s athletic excellence.

Team Lagos delivered a commanding performance at the just-concluded National U-15 Swimming Competition, tagged “Swim for Life,” held from 23rd to 25th April 2025 at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abuja.

Competing against young swimmers from across Nigeria, the 16-member squad stood out by winning a total of 44 medals – 14 Gold, 16 Silver, and 14 Bronze, across 53 of the 65 events featured at the championship.

Organised by the Nigeria Aquatics Federation, the event showcased the emergence of future swimming champions. Team Lagos rose to the occasion with discipline, drive, and talent. Two standout athletes, Maryam Muhammed (12) and Oluwatomi Adebayo (8), were named Most Valuable Swimmers of the tournament, underscoring the quality of the state’s youth swimming programme and the impact of intentional grassroots development.

Reacting to the team’s performance, Mr. Lekan Fatodu, Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, who led the Lagos delegation to the competition, commended the swimmers, coaches, parents, and support staff.

“This result speaks to the strength of our sports development as a State. Our swimmers’ display in Abuja reinforces our belief that consistent support and structured exposure at the junior level will yield champions who can represent Nigeria globally. We are incredibly proud of their achievement and inspired by the dedication they continue to show.”

Mr. Fatodu reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to building clear pathways for young athletes, emphasising that success at junior-level competitions confirms the value of sustained investment in coaching, facilities, and mentorship.

Speaking on behalf of parents of Lagos athletes at the event, Mrs. Aderoju Ope-Ajayi expressed gratitude to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the new leadership at the Lagos State Sports Commission for their renewed support and direction. She emphasised the importance of working together with the Commission to grow the sport further, stating that many stakeholders are ready to collaborate and contribute toward taking swimming in Lagos to the next level.

The Lagos State Sports Commission remains focused on nurturing the next generation of elite athletes and building on this momentum through talent discovery, technical support, and competitive exposure across all sports.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Director General of Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, has emphasized the role of the commission in propagating inclusivity and encouragement of young talent development across various sports.

Fatodu made the statement at the grand finale of the Lagos State U-20 Volleyball Club Championship held at the Volleyball Court of the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

The four-day novel initiative was designed to bring different clubs together from the state to continuing honing their skills, building a formidable team, measure the level of their performances and also serves as a rare opportunity for the young stars to compete among themselves.

Speaking further, Fatodu explained that the commission is creating an enabling environment to those in various places or schools who did not have the opportunity to be part of those who qualified for competitions like the National Youth Games.

“Similarly, we’re deliberate about age categories and want to use the right parameters to feature our athletes. So, when we say U-20, we are truly presenting the right age.

“We are not leaving no sports behind. We want to have an inclusive sporting engagement where many of our young people will have alternatives from different activities, including boxing, volleyball, table tennis swimming, cycling, and open water competitions, “Fatodu noted.

In the female final Yabatech walloped Ikorodu ll 2 – 0 (25 – 21, 25 – 20) to emerge as the pioneer title holders of the championship carting home the sum of Two Hundred thousand naira while Saviour Academy Ketu grabbed the coveted title with 2 – 0 (25 – 21, 26 – 24) in the male category with the same amount.

The Lagos State Sports Commission, in collaboration with the Lagos State Volleyball Association, has concluded arrangements to organise the 2025 U-20 Volleyball Club Championship at the Volleyball Court of Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

This initiative is part of the commission’s efforts to consolidate on the sustainable path for sports development, promote the growth of volleyball across the state, and create an enabling environment for young talents to showcase their skills.

The championship, scheduled to take place from January 29th to February 1st, 2025, will feature clubs across the state competing for the highest honors during the anticipated three-day event.

 

As a state renowned for sustainable sports development, this tournament aims to uncover hidden talents, foster a strong volleyball culture, and build formidable teams as the state intensifies preparations for the upcoming national event in Ogun State, tagged the Gateway Games.

Volleyball clubs in Lagos are gearing up for the tournament, which offers a valuable platform for youngsters to hone their skills and compete at a high level.