…Lagos Gives Best Incentives To Athletes

As the 2024 National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State, wind down, Director General, Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, has reiterated the commitment of the current administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to sports and talent development as Team Lagos surpassed the record set in the previous edition.

The Centre of Excellence’s impressive performance this year was remarkable, as it surpassed the previous edition by winning 26 gold, 20 silver, and 19 bronze medals, compared to Lagos’s second-place finish last year with 21 gold, 19 silver, and 21 bronze medals.

Speaking on the milestone achievement at the closing ceremony, Fatodu disclosed that the future of sports, particularly in talents and grassroots development, which is actually the focus of the NYG, lies with Lagos State.

He noted that Lagos has proven with the remarkable outing at the national showpiece designed for the U-15 athletes that Lagos State is a state that people should look out for in future championships.

Recall that Lagos trounced hosts Delta in the basketball final, proving the level of the Eko girls dominance in the dunking game, which ended 10-8. Another interesting outing for Team Lagos is the stellar performances from the athletes in boxing, sweeping all four gold medals available in the event.

A lone goal from Olaitan Muinat in the hockey final against Kaduna earned Lagos a gold medal after playing six matches without losing anyone.

In Abula (traditional sport), Lagos defeated their counterparts from Oyo 2-1 (16-13, 8-16, 16-14) to clinch a gold medal in the female category, following a keenly contested final.

“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 lies to ensure further improvement in sports talent development,” said Fatodu.

He added that the state is doling out the best of incentives to the athletes through the intervention and support of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.