Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, has reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration to sports and talent development, as Team Lagos delivered an outstanding performance at the 2024 National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State.
Fatodu emphasized that the administration’s focus on grassroots sports and education is yielding remarkable results, with Lagos State emerging as a force to be reckoned with in youth sports.
Fatodu highlighted that the state’s impressive showing at the Games, which are designed for under-15 athletes, is a testament to the administration’s strategy of combining sports development with educational support.
Team Lagos surpassed their previous record by winning 26 gold, 20 silver, and 19 bronze medals, an improvement from their second-place finish in the last edition, where they secured 21 gold, 19 silver, and 21 bronze medals.
“We see these young talents as the future of sports in Lagos State. We are looking at them from the angle of sports development around education, what they are doing in school, and what the future holds to ensure further improvement in sports talents development,” Fatodu stated, stressing the importance of balancing athletics with academics for holistic growth.
The Games saw Lagos dominate in various sports, including a thrilling victory over the host state, Delta, in the girls’ basketball final, ending 10-8 in favor of the Eko girls.
Lagos also swept the boxing events, winning all four available gold medals. In hockey, Team Lagos secured gold with a decisive lone goal from Olaitan Muinat in the final against Kaduna, maintaining an unbeaten streak throughout the competition.
Lagos further showcased its prowess in traditional sports, clinching gold in the Abula female category after a keenly contested final against Oyo State, which ended 2-1 (16-13, 8-16, 16-14).
Fatodu noted that the administration, under Governor Sanwo-Olu’s leadership, continues to provide incentives and support to young athletes, ensuring that Lagos remains at the forefront of sports development in Nigeria.
He concluded that the achievements at the National Youth Games underscore Lagos State’s commitment to nurturing future sports champions, solidifying its reputation as a leader in grassroots sports.
