Lagos State has once again raised the bar in youth sports development as its 416 athletes (Team Lagos) and 80 technical officials departed for Asaba, Delta State, on Wednesday, August 27, to compete in the 9th National Youth Games.
The state’s Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), Lekan Fatodu, expressed confidence in the team’s preparation and highlighted the deliberate strategies put in place to ensure a successful outing. He explained that the Commission had identified areas for improvement and had taken proactive steps to motivate and inspire the athletes.
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Team Lagos secured 11 qualification tickets at the South-West Zonal Eliminations in Ibadan, Oyo State, and Fatodu believes that the foundation has been laid for another remarkable performance in Asaba.
According to him, the state has strengthened its reward system for athletes, coaches, and technical officials as part of its blueprint to encourage success. “This new approach will undoubtedly boost morale and translate into podium finishes,” he stated.
Fatodu also credited Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for providing extraordinary support for the Commission’s interventions. He noted that the Governor’s commitment has been crucial to enhancing the capacity, competence, and performance of Lagos athletes.
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“This support has been instrumental in driving the Commission’s success. We are optimistic that our deliberate efforts will yield multiple podium appearances for Lagos State. Lagosians should expect nothing less than excellence,” Fatodu assured.
He added that Lagos State will showcase its strength across multiple sports, including athletics, swimming, boxing, and weightlifting. The Director-General also emphasized the Commission’s zero tolerance for age cheating in football, stressing that every Lagos athlete heading to Asaba falls within the right age category.
“With talented athletes and a well-defined strategy, Lagos is ready to reclaim its position as a sporting powerhouse in Nigeria and beyond,” he said.
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Looking ahead, Fatodu described Lagos as the home of multi-sports in Nigeria and reaffirmed that the state will continue to lead in talent discovery and development. “We are confident that we will surpass our previous performances. Lagos State will once again show why it is the nation’s pacesetter in sports,” he concluded.
