Two major sports, boxing and swimming received Big boost of infrastructural development with the commissioning of an ultra modern boxing gymnasium and an Olympic-size swimming pool to further shows the commitment of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s administration to foster youth engagement and sports development.
Lagos state, in collaboration with Yucateco Boxing Promotions commissioned the Babajide Sanwo-Olu Boxing Gymnasium at Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, while swimming pool was facilitated by the Lagos State Sports Trust Fund (LSSTF).
Speaking at the unveiling of the boxing gym, Director General, Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu said there is no better way to address youth empowerment and engagement than creating an alternative opportunity for them to channel their energy as sports been said to be a tool to empower youth towards self realization.
“Boxing in our community is a unique sport because we have a vibrant youth population represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Honorable Mobolaji Ogunlende. With this facility, we can produce champions.
Speaking further, the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende stated that the state can not capture all the youths at the same time.But our ability to capture them in groups makes it easier for us to be able to get them off the street. For the growth of youths who have found their interest in boxing. This is a well set up structure for them to be able to burn out the energy, practice, and prepare themselves to compete on a global scale.
“As a government, we can not do it alone, which is why we continue to call for partnerships, and one of those partnerships has produced this. Our plan is to be able to replicate this across the five divisions in the state. If we are able to do this then we will be able to get those groups of youths under this catchment off the street into the boxing arena, channelling their energy, sportsmanship and abilities to compete on the global scale” he added.
Fatodu commended the donor and Chief Executive Officer, Yucateco Boxing Promotions, Imadu for the notable initiative which provides another opportunity for the young boxers in the state to continue to dominate and sharpening their skills in the sporting industry.
Meanwhile, at the the commissioning of the Olympic size swimming pool with warm up and 250 seaters pavilion along other facilities such as the Handball Court, Volleyball Court and Basketball Court at the Rowe Park.Sports Centre, Yaba, Governor Sanwo-Olu was represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende.
Governor Sanwo-Olu described the facilities as beacon of health, fitness, community engagement, and a testament to the shared vision of creating opportunities for the youth, promoting active lifestyle, and fostering a culture of excellence in Lagos state.
“This is Lagos , the Center of Excellence, a state of aquatic spender, and the financial hub of Africa. When we talk Nigeria, we talk about Lagos. This project reflects our unwavering commitment to providing world-class recreational and sports facilities for our residents.
The Governor commended the Lagos State Sports Trust Fund, LSSTF for facilitating the reconstruction of the swimming pool and rehabilitation of other facilities through support of sponsors. He expressed the state government gratitude to sport’s philanthropist and elder statesman, Chief Kessington Adebutu for his generosity and the Lagos Lottery Board towards the realization of the project.
Sanwo-Olu added that “the Olympic Swimming pool alongside the warm pool and 250seater spectators stand is a bold statement of the State’s resolve to promote physical well being, future talent and create a space where individuals of all ages can come together to learn, to grow and to thrive. Swimming is not just a sport , it is a life skill that offers immense physical and mental health benefits”
This facility is designed to encourage our youth to take up swimming whether for fitness competition or leisure, he noted.
Director General, Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu , applauded the laudable initiative of Governor Sanwo-Olu as a testament to his commitment to improve infrastructure within the sporting ecosystem in Lagos State.
Fatodu implored the public and private sectors to collaborate on social economic development by promoting sports and provide enabling environment for talents to reach the zenith of their chosen careers.
He also noted that the state government is developing various sporting facilities across the five divisions of Lagos while assuring that some will be commission very soon.
“Mr. Governor has told us it is important to provide opportunities and facilities because it is a powerful tool to save our young ones from crimes and criminality.
