In alignment with the T.H.E.M.E.S + Agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos State Sports Association (LSSA) welcomed the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Grassroots Sports, Mr. Adebanji Atewogboye Skibanj, at their Year 2023 Retreat program.
The event, held over two days starting on December 19, 2023, brought together chairmen from various sports in the state.
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The retreat, held at a luxury venue in Alaka Estate, Lagos, culminated in an interactive session with Mr Atewogboye, aiming to appreciate his experience, passion, and unwavering efforts in revitalizing grassroots sports in the state.
The program also focused on addressing challenges facing the association and grassroots sports, with collaborative solutions proposed during the event.
Speaking at the retreat, Skibanj commended the association and expressed his commitment to working together for cumulative success.
He emphasized the importance of collaboration and partnership with stakeholders in sports, including the association, to achieve common goals of success.
“I appreciate the association and am happy to be part of the retreat amidst experienced members of the body. I never had it to work in isolation but to partner with stakeholders in sports, including the association, in the state based on the common goal of success,” said Skibanj.
Acknowledging the personal resources often invested by association members in sporting events, Skibanj empathized with their challenges and assured them of collaborative efforts to identify and address issues.
He stressed the need for genuine programs that can reach Governor Sanwo-Olu through the Lagos State Sports Commission, ensuring necessary approvals and support.
During the interactive session, the chairperson of the association and president of Lagos State Traditional Sports, Mrs. Abiola Lawal, highlighted delayed budget approval as one of the challenges facing the association. She urged Skibanj to represent their voice in sporting games.
Various chairmen from different sports, including Darts, Taekwondo, Scrabble, Handball, Para athletics, and more, echoed concerns such as the use of personal resources, inadequate sports education, and the need for state funding for sporting events.
They also proposed solutions, including prompt budget approval, stipends through appropriate channels, unity among members, synergy between the association, sportsmen, and the sports commission, funding for sports institutions, development of sports curriculum in schools, and support for state sports professionals.
The retreat saw the presence of key chairmen from various sports in Lagos, collectively contributing to the dialogue aimed at strengthening grassroots sports development in the state.
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