Sanwo-Olu inaugurates 44 sports association chairmen, tasks them on talent development
By Adeola Ogunrinde
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday inaugurated 44 chairmen of sports associations in the state, charging them to strengthen grassroots development, identify emerging talents and create sustainable pathways for athletes to attain national and international success.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony at Lagos House, Ikeja, Sanwo-Olu described the appointments as a significant step toward repositioning sports administration and development in the state.
The governor urged the new sports administrators to set clear and measurable objectives for their respective associations while implementing succession programmes and systems for identifying, nurturing and developing young talents into elite athletes.
He stressed that Lagos’ reputation as the centre of excellence should extend beyond talent discovery to providing the structures, training opportunities and competitive platforms required to transform promising athletes into champions.
Sanwo-Olu also charged the chairmen to uphold transparency, accountability and discipline in the administration of their associations, while ensuring regular competition calendars that would provide athletes with opportunities to develop and showcase their abilities.
In addition, the governor urged them to create more opportunities for women and girls, persons with disabilities and other underrepresented groups, stressing the importance of inclusive participation in sports development.
The Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, said the inauguration demonstrated the administration’s commitment to strengthening sports development, adding that government alone could not develop the sector.
Fatodu therefore called for stronger partnerships among the government, sports associations, athletes, coaches, corporate organisations, schools and local communities to build a sustainable sports ecosystem and maximise the potential of Lagos athletes.
