The Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, has expressed satisfaction with the outstanding performance of the state’s athletes at the ongoing National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State.
Fatodu stated that Lagos will maintain its leadership position in sports development and continue to nurture young talents across various sporting disciplines.
Speaking at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Fatodu praised the athletes for their impressive displays, citing their achievements in swimming, deaf athletics, boxing, and hockey as evidence of Lagos State’s sporting excellence.
He emphasized the government’s commitment to providing an enabling environment for these young athletes, assuring that their potential will be further honed through exposure to national and international competitions.
“The performances have been really, really exceptional,” Fatodu remarked. “Wherever they are competing, they have raised the bar of sporting excellence for Lagos State.”
Fatodu highlighted the importance of motivation and psychological support in enhancing the athletes’ performance. According to him, instilling confidence and maintaining a positive disposition during competitions are crucial for success.
“There’s an aspect of psychology that is very, very important in boosting their confidence and ensuring that they stay on course,” he said. “We’ve seen energy, zeal, and commitment from these young athletes, and they are truly fit for purpose.”
Looking ahead, Fatodu reiterated Lagos State’s determination to maintain its reputation for sporting excellence. He noted that other states in Nigeria could learn from Lagos’ approach to sports development.
“I believe that going forward, Lagos will continue to take the leadership position,” he added. “Many states in Nigeria will emulate what Lagos is doing in sports.”
The Director General reaffirmed the state’s long-term goal of cultivating and supporting athletes who can excel on the national and international stage, thereby sustaining Lagos’ dominance in Nigerian sports.
