In line with the state government’s commitment to rewarding excellence, dedication and hard work, Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday hosted the victorious 270 student-athletes, coaches, administrators, and parents to a reception, where he announced cash rewards to the athletes and coaches who represented the state at the 8th National Youth Sports Games held in Asaba, Delta State.
The event held at the Banquet Hall, Lagos House, Alausa had in attendance, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat who represented the Governor, accompanied by the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende, his Basic and Secondary Education counterpart, Mr. Jamiu Alli-Balogun, the Director-General, Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr. Lekan Fatodu and Executive Chairman, Lagos State Basic Education Board, Dr. Hakeem Shittu amongst other top government dignitaries.
Speaking through the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, Governor Sanwo-Olu commended the courage, resilience, uprightness, and honesty displayed by Team Lagos during the games and for securing second place and 66 medals, which included 26 golds, 20 silvers, and 20 bronzes, at the recently concluded Games in Asaba, Delta State.
The Governor noted that their feats at the competition are entirely merit-based, and a testament to the athletes’ youthfulness, vigour, and adherence to ethical standards without any age falsification or malpractice, adding Lagos shows examples and that their remarkable achievements at the past eight editions have positioned Lagos as leaders in Nigeria’s school sports development.
While urging the youth to shun social vices, and imbibe virtues such as integrity, honesty, and hard work, Governor Sanwo-Olu said everything in life is about integrity, honesty, and uprightness, charging them never to get involved in anything shady, negative, or attempt to cut corners as their attitude will determine their altitude.
Speaking further, the Governor stated that his administration’s commitment to nurturing the potential of youth in the state remains unwavering, adding that together, government, parents and guardians will build a brighter future where sports and education thrive side by side, shaping the champions of tomorrow.
He, therefore, commended the parents, guardians and sponsors of the athletes for their unwavering support, sacrifice and encouragement which have been instrumental in shaping the young champions, adding that with their continued support, the state will reach even greater heights in sports and education.
Earlier in his remarks, the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende reiterated that the state government is committed to supporting the youths as they are the leaders of tomorrow, adding that the National Youth Games, was a demonstration of the present administration’s commitment to supporting the youth excel.
“You are important to us and that is the reason why we all are here today, because we believe in you and we need to encourage you. As a government, we are ready to take you people to whichever level you want to attain”, he said.
Ogunlende, however, called for collaborative efforts among stakeholders to provide a supportive platform for youths to excel and achieve their goals.
In his opening remarks, the Director-General, Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), Mr. Lekan Fatodu stated that the Commission is committed to continuing to use the instrumentality of sports to break social barriers, unleash the potential of our young people and create opportunities that are more sustainable among our young people.
Fatodu noted that the commission has succeeded in changing the narrative and established Lagos State as the epicentre of sports excellence and development in Nigeria.
While highlighting the benefits of sports, the Director-General said, “Sport helps to unite people irrespective of the financial class; it brings people together and exposes kids to a place where there is no field, where there is sometimes no money, and when there is sometimes no light. That’s the power of sports. Sport can help to breach bridges. Sports can help to unleash potential”.
Earlier in his remarks, the representative of the parents of the contingent, Mr. Godwin Egbebe appealed to the government to boost funding for the National Youth Games, underscoring the critical need for enhanced financial resources to improve the accessibility of sports infrastructure for young participants.
Egbebe, however, commended the State government and Sport Commission, noting that “Lagos State Government is a pacesetter, the children had a fun-filled time. The events are also enablers that bring children together bonding and future network”.
