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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.

LAGOS STATE SPORTS COMMISSION, PRACTAGALI PARTNERS UNVEIL PLANS FOR INAUGURAL BOLA AHMED TINUBU SOUTHWEST ALLIANCE GAMES

The Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) and Practagali Partners, organisers of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu South West Alliance Games (BAT SWAG), have announced that the inaugural edition of the games will be hosted in Lagos.

BATSWAG, a unifying sports initiative led by Practagali Partners, is designed to discover emerging under-18 athletes from across the Southwest region., encourage mass participation in sports, and provide opportunities for talented athletes to showcase their skills and build a career in sports.

Scheduled for March 2025, the highly anticipated competition will bring together promising young talents from Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Ekiti, to compete in various sporting disciplines, including Athletics (Track & Field), Basketball, Boxing, Football, Table Tennis, traditional African games Ayo-Olopon and Abula. BATSWAG aims to promote youth development, stimulate sports participation, and encourage inclusivity through adaptive sports.

The event will showcase the immense sporting potential within the Southwestern region while creating opportunities for budding athletes to shine on a regional stage.

Speaking on the upcoming tournament, the Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr. Lekan Fatodu, expressed enthusiasm about Lagos being identified as the state where the event will be hosted: “Hosting the inaugural edition of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Southwest Alliance Games in Lagos is an honour, and it speaks volumes about the support and commitment of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to sports over the years, which has laid the foundation and created many opportunities and resources for Lagos to be the ideal location for any great sporting events.

The future of sports in the South-West region is bright, and the BAT SWAG Games will undoubtedly serve as a springboard for young athletes aiming for national and international success.”

Ms. Funmilola Adedipe, Managing Director of Practagali Partners, highlighted the broader impact of the event, noting that it aims to promote positive engagement among youth and rescue them from the grip of social vices prevalent in society.

According to her, “the BAT SWAG Games will not only nurture talent but also serve as a vital tool for social reformation, using sports as a vehicle for development, empowerment, and hope.”
Adedipe also highlighted the significance of Practagali Partners’ collaboration with the Lagos State Government, noting that the partnership will create sustainable opportunities for youth and further the cause of grassroots sports development across the region. “This partnership with Lagos as the host state will bolster efforts to engage youth meaningfully, and we look forward to discovering new talents that can potentially represent Nigeria on the global stage,” Adedipe added.

The Bola Ahmed Tinubu Southwest Alliance Games is expected to be a remarkable event, showcasing the wealth of talent within the region. The competition will draw in large crowds, enhance community spirit, and create a legacy of sports participation that will impact future generations. By being chosen as the host state, Lagos further solidifies its reputation as a hub for sports development and excellence.

Lagos State has once again proven its mettle as the pacesetter in Nigerian sports development, earning the prestigious title of Most Outstanding State in Sports Development for 2024 by ARISE TV.

This prestigious recognition reflects the state’s remarkable strides in promoting sporting excellence, innovation, and community engagement under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Lagos State Sports Commission.

The announcement, made during ARISE TV’s year-end review of sports development across Nigeria, highlights Lagos State’s remarkable contributions to nurturing young talent, promoting grassroots sports, and delivering world-class sporting events. From excelling at the National Youth Games to driving transformative initiatives like the Lagos Town Race Series, and the Lagos Active Initiative, Lagos has consistently set new benchmarks for sports growth in the country.

Under Governor Sanwo-Olu’s leadership, the state has invested in the refurbishment of sports facilities, hosted high-profile competitions, and driven innovative programs to develop grassroots talent. Notable partnerships with the private sector and international organisations have further solidified Lagos’ position as a hub for sports excellence in Africa.

In acknowledging the honour, the Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Hon. Lekan Fatodu, expressed his profound gratitude to all those who have supported the state’s vision for sports excellence, “Thank you, God! Despite all odds and other teething issues, we have emerged as the Most Outstanding in Sports Development in Nigeria in 2024. I extend my deepest gratitude to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, our visionary and sports-loving governor, for providing me with this great platform and necessary support to prove my capacity and know-how. My appreciation also goes to our cerebral Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, for his invaluable guidance and counsel on this journey.”

Fatodu also commended the dedication and hard work of the entire team behind this achievement, “To the entire staff of the Lagos State Sports Commission, management, board, sports associations, athletes, coaches, corporate partners, sponsors, and other critical stakeholders in the Lagos and Nigerian sports ecosystem, I thank you for always standing by me in accelerating the lofty goal of enhancing sporting excellence in Lagos State.”

He extended his appreciation to the public and his personal network of friends and associates, “To my friends, associates, acquaintances, and admirers, thank you for your encouragement, prayers, best wishes, and invaluable advice. Your support has fueled our resolve and contributed immensely to this great achievement in 2024.”

This recognition comes at a pivotal moment for Lagos State, following a year of significant accomplishments in sports, including notable performances in national and international competitions, investments in sports infrastructure, and pioneering grassroots talent development programs. These efforts align with the state’s overarching vision of using sports as a tool for youth empowerment, social cohesion, and economic development.

As Lagos looks ahead to 2025, Fatodu reaffirmed the state’s commitment to building on its successes: “May 2025 bring even greater opportunities for us to shine brighter and make Lagos State an even more formidable force in sports both locally and internationally. The Lagos State Sports Commission remains committed to improving the lives of our athletes, expanding opportunities for youth engagement, and solidifying Lagos as the epicentre of sports development in Nigeria.”

Director-General, Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, has praised the state’s impressive outing at the just-concluded 2024 National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State.

Team Lagos put up a remarkable performance, showcasing their commitment to youth sports development and adherence to age regulations.

“Lagos finished with 26 gold, 19 silver, and 24 bronze medals, improving on our 21 gold, 19 silver, and 21 bronze medals from the last edition,” Fatodu said.

He attributed the success to the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration’s significant investment in sports and infrastructural development.

“This performance testifies to our developmental programmes that create avenues for youths to showcase their God-given talents,” Fatodu added.

The Lagos athletes excelled across various sports, with standout performances in boxing, cycling, swimming, and table tennis. In boxing, Team Lagos achieved a remarkable “4 over 4” feat, clinching all available gold medals, including events featuring the host state, Delta.

Isiaka Ibrahim’s gold medal win in the cycling individual point race and the swimming team’s haul of 10 medals (4 gold, 4 silver, 2 bronze) were among the highlights.

Table tennis star Rabiu Aishat contributed three medals, including a gold in girls’ doubles with partner Faisat Musbau.

Other notable achievements included David Akinade’s gold in shotput, Funmilayo Beauty Oyero’s silver in golf, and Joshua Joseph’s silver in wrestling. The weightlifting team also contributed to the medal tally, with Sunday Emmanuel securing two bronze medals.

Fatodu emphasised that Lagos athletes competed fairly against older opponents, demonstrating the state’s commitment to nurturing young talent and promoting genuine youth sports development.

The Director-General of Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), Lekan Fatodu has commended Lagos athletes for securing 10 slots at the just concluded South West Zonal Elimination for the 2024 National Youth Games

While noting that their outstanding performances were a testament to the state’s investment in grassroots sports development and the athletes’ unwavering dedication, Fatodu reassured the athletes of the full support of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s administration on sports development and their welfare, emphasising that the state will continuously prioritise their needs and safety at all times.

He admonished the athletes to always aim high and set goals as there are times to win and lose in any competition, adding that some of the factors that keep them progressing in life, particularly in sporting activities, are determination, perseverance and focus.

The qualifying series witnessed a spectacular display of athleticism and sportsmanship as Lagos State’s contingent stole the show. With determination etched on their faces, the athletes took to the courts and fields, demonstrating the good spirits of excellence and the level of preparation put in place before the Games.

It was a celebration galore for the Lagos girls’ football team, winning all three matches and earning nine points on the log. The team’s cohesive play and tactical brilliance earned them a well-deserved win. They trounced Oyo 3-1, and in the second leg, they were able to replicate the same scoreline before rounding off the campaign with a 2-0 win over host Osun.

The basketball female team also put up a stellar performance in a round-robin game, having overpowered Osun 14-13 in a close margin encounter. Their matches against Ondo 11-3 and Ekiti 18-6 were very spectacular and proved unbeatable, sinking three-pointers with ease and executing flawless defensive plays.

In the hockey event, Lagos’s girls were very impressive as they did not bow to any pressure on the field of play. They outpaced Oyo 2-0 before a tie with Ekiti, which ended in another 2-0, signifying the level of area covered and the number of goals scored in two matches.

Lagos Handball Boys, another indomitable team, proved their superiority against Oyo State in the final. It was an intense encounter as the match ended 20-20 after regulation time. But Lagos boys triumphed 8-7 in the penalty shoot-out. They outclassed Ogun 26-20 in their first match.

Volleyball (female), Abula (female) Cricket (female), Hockey (female), Handball (male), Rugby (male/female), Football (female), and Basketball (male/female) have all qualified to represent the state at the Games proper in Asaba, Delta State, from 9th to 19th September 2024.

The Lagos athlete’s triumph in Osogbo was met with jubilation back home as fans and officials alike celebrated their success. The team’s display of skill, teamwork, and sportsmanship had made Lagos proud, and their journey to the top is just the beginning.

In a remarkable display of vision, leadership, and innovation, the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) hosted the Lagos Paris Olympics 2024 Esports and Sports Economy Roundtable at the Africa Station Doom, L’ile-Saint-Denis in Paris, France.

Convened with the theme: “Exploring New Frontiers and Business Opportunities in Sports”, the Director-General of LSSC, Mr. Lekan Fatodu, who led the charge at the high-profile event, held on the sidelines of the Paris Olympics, highlighted the commitment of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration to sports development and its vision for sports excellence and global collaboration.

Fatodu explained that the event was conceptualised to draw international attention to Nigeria’s burgeoning sports industry and highlight Lagos’ potential as a major hub for sports development in Africa as participants explored innovative approaches to harness the economic potential of both traditional and electronic sports, examining best practices from across the African continent.

The roundtable event which delved into various aspects of sports development, with a particular focus on esports – a rapidly growing sector that has captured global attention – brought together an impressive array of stakeholders, including high-ranking government officials, potential investors, and representatives from prominent international sporting organisations.

Discussants at the panel session comprising of eminent personalities such as Mr. Désiré Koussawo, Président France Esports; Mr. Lekan Ajisafe, philanthropist and sports aficionado; Hon. Abiodun Orekoya, Chairman Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Sports; Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende, Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Social Development in Lagos State, explored the significance of creating opportunities across the entire value-chain of sport for sustainable sport economy and how investors can leverage on Lagos prominence to develop the sporting industry.

Other panellists who shared insight on contemporary strategies to advance e-sports business in Nigeria include Mr. Lanre Alfred, CEO Old English; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Sports, Mr. Damilare Orimoloye; Mr. Deji Omotoyinbo, veteran sports broadcaster; Mr. Tella Abiodun, CEO G2P Sports Limited; Dr. Kweku Tandoh, Renowned Sports Specialist and President of the Nigerian Badminton Federation and Mr. Frank Orbih.

The Director-General further pointed out that the gathering served as a platform to showcase Lagos’ commitment to sports advancement and its vision for fostering global collaborations in the field.

According to him, one of the key outcomes of the event was the reinforcement of Lagos’ position as a promising investment destination for sports-related ventures with several international investors expressing keen interest in the opportunities presented, citing the city’s robust infrastructure and the government’s proactive approach to sports development.

“As the Paris Olympics continue to captivate the world, Lagos has successfully leveraged the global platform to spotlight its sporting ambitions. The roundtable has not only elevated the city’s international profile but has also opened new avenues for economic growth through sports. All eyes are now on Lagos to see how it will translate the momentum gained from the roundtable into tangible actions. As one participant aptly put it, Lagos has not just entered the global sports conversation; it has positioned itself to lead it”, he emphasised.

The Lagos Paris Olympics 2024 Esports and Sports Economy Roundtable may well be remembered as the event that marked Lagos’ emergence as a significant force in the international sports landscape, promising exciting developments for the future of sports in Africa and beyond.

In its efforts to encourage participation in all forms of sports, and to facilitate private sector support on Sports development, the Lagos State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with tech giant, Tecno, for the construction of a football astroturf pitch.

Speaking recently at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, the venue of the signing ceremony, the Director-General, Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), Lekan Fatodu, reiterated the commitment of the state government to developing sporting facilities and creating an enabling environment for youth and sports to thrive.

He disclosed that the LSSC will continue to work in accordance with the state government mantra under the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to drive inclusiveness and ensure that youths are empowered to have a bright and rewarding future.
Fatodu noted that Lagos is a place where sporting dreams take flight and with the coming of Tecno, will add feathers to the developmental trajectory of the Centre of Excellence to continue to deliver on quality and standard sports facilities.

He also pointed out that the state is open to investments and other initiatives while corporate organisations are encouraged to be partners in progress as Tecno firm has signified interest in being part of the sporting infrastructure revolution in the state.

In his remarks, Chidi Okonkwo, Managing Director of Transsion Holdings, said that Lagos is the hub of their business in the country,  stressing that Tecno’s mission is to use technology to impact the youth of the country through sports. “We want to support and develop the burden talent we have here in Lagos”, he said.

While pledging to the contribution of sports facility, Okonkwo said Tecno wants to be part of the huge success of the state where young people will have quality pitch to train before moving to greener pastures.

For a government that has invested heavily in sports infrastructure and programmes, it is another development that tends to inspire the cortex of youth and encourage the physical well-being of the People.

The Director General of Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu on Wednesday hosted in Lagos by the Consul General of France and his team at the Consulate in Ikoyi, Lagos.

Discussions held centred around strengthening the existing ties between Lagos State and France, with a particular focus on Sports.

Avenues for mutually beneficial collaboration that would not only deepen the cultural exchange between the two nations but also accelerate the development of sports in Lagos State from capacity building for sports administration and coaching to facilitate sports business opportunities, as well as organising joint sporting events were explored.

The Consular General, the French Embassy in Nigeria, Mr. Laurent Favier assured Lagos State Sports Commission of support on sports development particularly in technical aspects of sports aimed at enhancing talent growth.

The Director General appreciated Favier and his team, stating that the kind expression of support by the French Embassy will be a remarkable pivot in the extraordinary investment and assistance Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is providing towards sporting excellence

“France has a rich sporting heritage, and their expertise in various disciplines can undoubtedly elevate the standards of sports in our state. Likewise, the vibrant and passionate sporting culture and ecosystem in Lagos holds immense potential for fruitful partnerships”, Fatodu stated

He expressed his gratitude to Mr Favier and the entire team at the French Consulate for their warm hospitality and their commitment to furthering closer ties between the two nations and looked forward to the countless opportunities that lie ahead for the development of sports in Lagos State and the enrichment of cultural ties with France.