The Lagos State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) yesterday, has applauded Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s impressive achievements in the sports sector during his first four years in office.
In a message signed by its chairman, Debo Oshundun, Lagos SWAN encouraged the governor to continue building on these successes while emphasizing the need for increased attention to school sports.
The association acknowledged the Lagos State Sports Commission, Chairman Sola Aiyepeku, and Director General Oluwatoyin Gafaar for their contributions to sports development in the state.
Lagos SWAN also commended the state government for rewarding ex-internationals and providing a platform for active athletes to succeed. . “The last four years was remarkable for sportsmen and women. Lagos State took it upon itself to reward many ex-internationals, who brought glory to Nigeria.
“The government also provided a platform for active athletes to succeed. Also, participation at the National Sports Festivals, National Youth Games and rewarding outstanding athletes cannot be wished away. “The state government hosted several international competitions across many sports such as badminton, football for men and women national teams, table tennis championships and many more in its quest to expose its athletes to international competitions, while boosting the sports tourism of Lagos State,” the body said
In its quest to promote sports tourism and expose its athletes to international competitions, the state hosted several international competitions across various sports such as badminton, football, and table tennis championships.
However, Lagos SWAN urged the government to go beyond these achievements and formulate policies that would outlive the administration and establish a path for sustainable development while focusing on infrastructural development. .
“To sustain the development, the state needs to invest in infrastructure where raw talents can be discovered and nurtured. The infrastructural deficit in Nigeria has adversely affected sports and its development. As the heartbeat of Nigeria and the centre of excellence, Lagos State must lead from the front,” it said
The state needs to invest in infrastructure to discover and nurture raw talents, especially in schools where many kids lack sports facilities. “Many schools in Lagos State do not have sports facilities, which robs many kids opportunity of engaging in sporting activities. The state must revisit the educational curriculum and criteria for licence issuance for the operation of educational institutions within the state,” Lagos SWAN said.
In conclusion, Lagos SWAN charged the state to formulate policies that would encourage the fusion of sports.
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