The Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, has reaffirmed the state’s commitment to grassroots sports development through various initiatives aimed at producing future stars on the global stage.
Fatodu made this statement while addressing journalists at the 8th edition of the National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State.
Lagos will be represented by 270 athletes across 34 sports at the event, which runs from September 10 to 20, 2024.
Fatodu emphasised that the state is focused on nurturing young talents by providing the right mentorship, training, and incentives, all geared towards making athletes proud to represent Lagos.
Addressing concerns about age discrepancies in youth sports, the LSSC DG assured that Lagos has maintained strict adherence to the rules governing the National Youth Games, ensuring only athletes within the required age bracket are fielded. He criticised the practice of other states fielding overage athletes, calling for action to address the issue.“We have been transparent in ensuring that we parade athletes within the required age. It would be unfair for others to shortchange the system by presenting over-aged athletes,” Fatodu stated.“This is an issue we intend to bring to the highest level of authority to eliminate this menace from the sports ecosystem.”
He further boasted that Lagos has one of the strictest selection processes in the country, ensuring fairness and adherence to the rules, saying, “In Lagos, we are proud that our zonal elimination, camping, and training processes are the strictest in the country. It’s a template that should be emulated by others.”
