*Future-focused Reforms To Reposition Sports At Centre Of Excellence Get Underway
BY OJO SAMSON AYOMIDE
The Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr Lekan Fatodu, has reiterated the state’s plan to sustain the feat recorded at the last edition of the National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State.
Team Lagos shocked the perennial champion of the tournament, Delta State as Lagos State topped the overall medal table to dethrone the host.
Team Lagos was crowned the champions of the NYG established in 2013 for the first time, having amassed 110 medals (52 gold, 36 silver, and 26 bronze). Delta State finished second with 114 medals (37 gold, 38 silver, and 39 bronze), while Edo State came third with 79 medals (33 gold, 18 silver, and 28 bronze).
Speaking during a press conference to present a renewed vision for sports in Lagos State, one that combines reforms, structure, and sustainability, the Director General said that while the state government is excited with the exemplary performance of the athletes in Asaba, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is in support of all effort that will be geared towards making the boys and girls super stars in the future.
“We won’t just replicate what gave us success in Asaba, but I want to tell you that we will scale up our effort to sustain the feat,” he said.
Fatodu disclosed that for the avoidance of doubt, Lagos State has begun preparation for the next National Youth Games immediately Asaba tournament ended.
“I am so happy that Lagos State Sports Commission has the best of intelligentsia in Nigerian sports management today. We will combine this with the talent we have to take the state to the next level,” Fatodu remarks.
On the reforms of sports in Lagos, he said “Our agenda is anchored on three main pillars: Sports Development Reforms, a Renewed Grassroots Framework, and a Roadmap to Athletes’ Revitalisation. Together, they represent a future-focused commitment to reposition Lagos as the leading centre of sporting excellence in Africa.
“These reforms are not short-term measures. They are designed for inclusivity, measurable impact, and sustainability, ensuring Lagos sets the pace for sports administration in Africa.
“And to give structure to these reforms, we are introducing the Team Lagos Reform & Transition Policy. This policy will set clear benchmarks for both athletes and coaches, supported by transparent retention, disengagement, and probation protocols.
It also provides exit systems that include skills acquisition, entrepreneurship training, and potential job placement support, ensuring that no athlete or coach is left behind after service.
“New athletes and coaches will come in through a clear onboarding process, while appeal and reconsideration mechanisms will guarantee fairness. Special consideration will be given to sportsmen among the dissolved Team Lagos athletes who have demonstrated excellence,” he said.
“To track progress, we will appoint a sports officer who will act as Athletes’ Liaison Officer, preferably an ex-athlete, who will serve as the direct bridge between athletes and the Commission.
“In addition, we are establishing a Team Lagos Monitoring Unit (TLMU) under the Office of the Director General. This unit will conduct biannual reviews, track KPIs, and publish an Annual State of Team Lagos Report.
“I must reaffirm that the Lagos State Senior Team remains dissolved. No individual or group is authorised to parade themselves in that capacity until further notice.
“Plans are underway to reconstitute a new team with renewed discipline, stronger energy, and competitive spirit. I therefore call on aspiring athletes to seize this opportunity and register at https://lssc.lg.gov.ng/athlete-registration/“
