As part of the commitment of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to make Lagos a sports hub, an Olympic size swimming pool with warm up and 250 seaters pavilion was commissioned on Thursday lby the Lagos State Government.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende commissioned the state of the art swimming pool along other facilities such as the Handball Court, Volleyball Court and Basketball Court at the Rowe Park.Sports Centre, Yaba.
Speaking at the commissioning, Governor Sanwo-Olu described the facilities as beacon of health, fitness, community engagement, and a testament to the shared vision of creating opportunities for the youth, promoting active lifestyle, and fostering a culture of excellence in Lagos state.
“This is Lagos , the Center of Excellence, a state of aquatic spender, and the financial hub of Africa. When we talk Nigeria, we talk about Lagos. This project reflects our unwavering commitment to providing world-class recreational and sports facilities for our residents.
The Governor commended the Lagos State Sports Trust Fund, LSSTF for facilitating the reconstruction of the swimming pool and rehabilitation of other facilities through support of sponsors.
He expressed the state government gratitude to sport’s philanthropist and elder statesman, Chief Kessington Adebutu for his generosity and the Lagos Lottery Board towards the realization of the project.
Sanwo-Olu added that “the Olympic Swimming pool alongside the warm pool and 250seater spectators stand is a bold statement of the State’s resolve to promote physical well being, future talent and create a space where individuals of all ages can come together to learn, to grow and to thrive. Swimming is not just a sport , it is a life skill that offers immense physical and mental health benefits”
This facility is designed to encourage our youth to take up swimming whether for fitness competition or leisure, he noted.
Director General, Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu , applauded the laudable initiative of Governor Sanwo-Olu as a testament to commitment to improve infrastructure within the sporting ecosystem in Lagos State.
Fatodu implored the public and private sectors to collaborate on social economic development by promoting sports and provide enabling environment for talents to reach the zenith of their chosen careers.
He also noted that the state government is developing various sporting facilities across the five divisions of Lagos while assuring that some will be commission very soon.
“Mr. Governor has told us it is important to provide opportunities and facilities because it is a powerful tool to save our young ones from crimes and criminality.
