AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

In a stunning display of dexterity, perseverance, and grit, Team Lagos has swept all four gold medals in the boxing competition at the 2024 National Youth Games. The Team Lagos U-15 puglist’s dominance across the weight categories marks a historic achievement for Lagos in youth sports, particularly boxing.

The gold medal run began with Agboola Oyindamola’s victory in the 40kg female category. Bello Olamide Lawal followed suit, claiming gold in the 42kg male category. Yakubu Sofiat clinched the top spot in the 42kg female category, while Bolarinwa Michael capped off the clean sweep with his triumph in the 44kg male division. These outstanding performances reflect the state’s commitment to identifying and nurturing young talent, with the potential for these athletes to thrive on both national and international stages.

This success underscores the continued efforts of Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, whose administration has prioritised sports development. Significant investments in sporting infrastructure and grassroots initiatives under his leadership have resulted in not only talent identification and development but also inspired an era of sports excellence. Governor Sanwo-Olu’s vision of transforming Lagos into Africa’s sports hub is evident in the opportunities being created for athletes and administrators to shine and achieve recognition at various levels.

Speaking on the team’s success, Mr. Lekan Fatodu, Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, commended the young boxers for their dedication and discipline. He emphasised that these victories serve as a foundation for future achievements, both nationally and internationally. “These athletes have made Lagos proud. Their success reaffirms the importance of grassroots sports development, and we remain committed to supporting their journeys to even greater heights,” Fatodu remarked.

Demonstrating the importance of the final bout to the Lagos State Government, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende, Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Lagos State, was present at the event, providing support and motivation to the young boxers. With words of encouragement and visible support, Ogunlende inspired the boxers, boosting their confidence, and pushing them to deliver exceptional performances that ultimately secured their victory.

With these triumphs, the future of Lagos boxing appears brighter than ever. Not only have these athletes brought glory to the state, but they have also ignited inspiration among a new generation of aspiring boxers. As they return to Lagos, celebrated as heroes, the focus now turns to their burgeoning careers, with many hoping to represent Nigeria on the global stage.

As Team Lagos revels in this historic achievement, it is evident that the state’s investments in sports are yielding impressive results and the leadership of the apex sports institution on top of its game. The success of these young athletes is a testament to the effectiveness of the state’s policies and programs. It is a source of pride for Lagos and a shining example for other states to emulate.

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

n a bid to enhance the financial inclusivity and support for athletes, the Lagos State Sports Commission engaged on a strategic partnership with Parallex Bank to revolutionize payment solutions for athletes and foster talent development across the state.

Speaking at the meeting, the Director General, Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr. Lekan Fatodu, who led the state’s delegation to the Head Office of Parallex Bank in Victoria Island, explained that the engagement aimed at igniting a mutually beneficial collaboration is a pivotal step in driving the state’s agenda in creating sustainable opportunities in sports by empowering athletes with the resources and support needed to achieve excellence.

According to him, the partnership is set to pave the way for a more efficient and transparent financial system within the sports sector, ensuring that athletes receive their payments promptly and through secure and efficient channel, while also investing in the next generation of sports talent in Lagos.

Fatodu explained that the commercial bank shares a similar interest with the State’s development agenda of bringing innovation to sports, with the broader goal of promoting long-term success of athletes both on and off the field and improving the sporting ecosystem across the state.

“By introducing a streamlined payment system, we are not only improving the welfare of our athletes but also encouraging a culture of excellence within Lagos sports. Our athletes are our pride, and we are committed to ensuring they receive the support they deserve to excel”, the Director General stated.

In his remarks, the Managing Director and CEO of Parallex Bank, Mr. Olufemi Bakre, revealed that the proposition between the Commission and the bank aligns seamlessly with the institution’s mission to support initiatives that make meaningful impact on society, particularly in empowering youth and fostering sustainable growth through sports development.

Mr. Bakre emphasized that the commitment of the bank to back sports development is a significant step in the bank’s endeavour to advance communities and create opportunities that extend beyond the playing field, ultimately driving positive social and economic outcomes.

He said, this strategic collaboration marks a major milestone in the bank’s commitment to creating value for every citizen, regardless of their status. And given the demographic that the Commission leads and interacts with—many of whom fall within the population our bank seeks to support with various financial interventions, supporting athletes and nurturing emerging talent is an investment we are fully committed to.

Emphasizing the bank’s dedication to supporting the advancement of sports in Lagos State, the Managing Director revealed that Parallex Bank is honoured to establish a strategic partnership with the Lagos State Sports Commission, adding that the aim is to enable talent development and provide a seamless and efficient payment solution that meets the specific needs of athletes, ensuring they are well-compensated for their hard work.

The meeting was attended by top-level officials of Parallex Bank and senior management members of the Lagos Sports Commission.

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

In a remarkable display of vision, leadership, and innovation, the Lagos State Sports Commission hosted the Lagos Paris Olympics 2024 Esports and Sports Economy Roundtable at the Africa Station Doom, L’lle-Saint-Denis in Paris, France.

Convened under the theme “Exploring New Frontiers and Business Opportunities in Sports,” the Director General, Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr. Lekan Fatodu, who led the charge at the high-profile event, held on the sidelines of the Paris Olympics highlighted the commitment of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration to sports development and its vision for sports excellence and global collaboration.

Fatodu explained that the event was conceptualised to draw international attention to Nigeria’s burgeoning sports industry and highlight Lagos’ potential as a major hub for sports development in Africa as participants explored innovative approaches to harness the economic potential of both traditional and electronic sports, examining best practices from across the African continent.

The roundtable event which delved into various aspects of sports development, with a particular focus on esports – a rapidly growing sector that has captured global attention brought together an impressive array of stakeholders, including high-ranking government officials, potential investors, and representatives from prominent international sporting organisations.

Discussants at the panel session comprising of eminent personalities such as Mr. Désiré Koussawo, Président France Esports; Mr. Lekan Ajisafe, philanthropist and sports aficionado; Hon. Abiodun Orekoya, Chairman Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Sports; Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende, Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Social Development in Lagos State explored the significant of creating opportunities across the entire value-chain of sport for sustainable sport economy and how investors can leverage on Lagos prominence to develop the sporting industry.

Other panellists who shared insight on contemporary strategies to advance e-sports business in Nigeria include Mr. Lanre Alfred, CEO Old English, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Sports, Mr. Damilare Orimoloye; Mr. Deji Omotoyinbo, veteran sports broadcaster; Mr. Tella Abiodun, CEO G2P Sports Limited; Dr. Kweku Tandoh, Renowned Sports specialist and President of the Nigerian Badminton Federation; and Mr. Frank Orbih.

The Director General further pointed out that the gathering served as a platform to showcase Lagos’ commitment to sports advancement and its vision for fostering global collaborations in the field.

According to him, one of the key outcomes of the event was the reinforcement of Lagos’ position as a promising investment destination for sports-related ventures with several international investors expressing keen interest in the opportunities presented, citing the city’s robust infrastructure and the government’s proactive approach to sports development.

“As the Paris Olympics continue to captivate the world, Lagos has successfully leveraged this global platform to spotlight its sporting ambitions. The roundtable has not only elevated the city’s international profile but has also opened new avenues for economic growth through sports. All eyes are now on Lagos to see how it will translate the momentum gained from the roundtable into tangible actions. As one participant aptly put it, “Lagos has not just entered the global sports conversation; it has positioned itself to lead it”, he emphasised.

As the event drew to a close, participants were regaled by iconic entertainer Baba Dee, who entertained the gathering with his evergreen tunes.

The Lagos Paris Olympics 2024 Esports and Sports Economy Roundtable may well be remembered as the event that marked Lagos’ emergence as a significant force in the international sports landscape, promising exciting developments for the future of sports in Africa and beyond.