Sanwo-Olu inaugurates Sports Trust Fund board, calls for improved sports sector

By Adeola Ogunrinde

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Wednesday inaugurated board members of the Lagos State Sports Trust Fund while charging them to mobilise resources for the growth of sports across the state.

The inauguration ceremony was held at Lagos House, Marina, where the governor urged the board to focus on developing grassroots and school sports, as well as other sporting activities in all divisions of the state.

The board, which is chaired by Mr. Enitan Oshodi, a former Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development and the current President of the International Table Tennis Federation, will oversee the sports unit of Lagos state.

Speaking at the event, Governor Sanwo-Olu urged members to use their contacts, professional experience, and networks to build a strong and sustainable sports institution for the state.

He said the mandate of the board is to support funding for sports and ensure the establishment of structures that will benefit both present and future generations, while adding that the funds generated should be used to improve sports facilities across the state, many of which are at different stages of completion.

The governor also noted that the Trust Fund would serve as a bridge between the government and private organisations, especially those who are willing to support sports development but would rather not work directly with the government.

In his remarks, the new board chairman, Oshodi, said the board’s priority is to create effective channels for raising funds to support sports development and infrastructure. He also stressed the need for support, especially by the private sector, to complement the state government’s efforts.