When public institutions respond, citizens regain confidence — by Adisa Folorunso
A few days ago, exhausted from rushing to meet a deadline on a paper I was writing, I decided to take a brief break on social media. The first video that appeared on my TikTok feed was that of a young lady who alleged that she had been sexually harassed by a swimming instructor at the National Stadium, Lagos. Coincidentally, my friend, Hadji Yusuff Adeshina Misbaudeen, had also drawn my attention to the thread.
It was late into the night, but I knew I had to act. I downloaded the video and forwarded it to the Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Hon. Lekan Fatodu. Without delay, he responded: “Ohhh, goodness. This is unacceptable. Please help us get the contact details of the young lady. We will treat this matter with the seriousness it deserves.”
Minutes later, he followed up with another message: “Thank you again for bringing this to our attention, Adisa. Our team has established contact with the complainant, and we will receive her at the Commission’s office tomorrow morning. We have also directed an immediate review of the incident at the National Stadium. The safety, dignity, and wellbeing of everyone who uses our facilities remain non-negotiable.”
Knowing how demanding public office can be, I honestly expected the matter to take some time to receive attention. I was wrong. The speed of the response was both reassuring and encouraging, particularly because it involved a young woman who deserved to be heard and treated with dignity.
This afternoon, I received a further update from a representative of the Commission. The coach involved has been suspended pending the outcome of an ongoing investigation, while the young lady is expected to visit the Commission’s office sometime this week. The specific date and time will be communicated ahead of her visit, and the Commission has assured me that further developments will be shared.
I paused to reflect on what this means. For a young woman who has spoken up about an experience that made her uncomfortable, knowing that an institution is listening and taking steps to address her complaint matters. It matters that she is not left wondering whether her voice will disappear into the silence that too often follows such incidents.
A swimming pool, a stadium or any public recreational facility should be a place where people feel safe enough to learn, train, compete and enjoy themselves. Nobody should have to choose between pursuing a sporting ambition and protecting their personal dignity. The safety of those who use these facilities must be as important as the facilities themselves.
This is why the response of the Lagos State Sports Commission deserves recognition. Hon. Lekan Fatodu’s prompt intervention, the Commission’s effort to establish contact with the young woman, and the suspension of the coach pending investigation are encouraging steps. They communicate a willingness to take complaints seriously and respond to the concerns of people who use public sporting facilities.
Of course, the investigation must run its course. The young woman’s account deserves to be heard, the facts must be established, and the appropriate action must follow. That is how institutions build lasting confidence: by responding promptly, treating people with respect and allowing due process to take its course.
I have always believed that the real test of leadership is not how readily a public official receives praise, but how responsibly the office responds when someone needs help. On this occasion, I saw a response that gives reason for optimism, and I believe such efforts deserve to be acknowledged.
Thank you, Hon. Lekan Fatodu, for being accessible and responsive. Thank you to the Lagos State Sports Commission for taking this matter seriously and acting promptly. May this commitment continue to strengthen public confidence and make our sporting facilities places where people can pursue their dreams with confidence and dignity.
