The Lagos State Contingent, comprising 416 athletes and 80 technical officials, departed for Asaba, Delta State, on Wednesday, August 27th, for the 9th National Youth Games.

Before Team Lagos left for the Games, Director-General, Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu stated that the LSSC has identified areas for improvement by motivating and inspiring the Athletes.

Having secured 11 tickets at the South-West Zonal Eliminations Ball Games in Ibadan, Oyo State, Team, he said Lagos is not resting on its laurels to record another impressive performance in Asaba when the Games get underway.

In his words, “We have increased the reward system for athletes, technical crew, and coaches, and these variables will contribute to our success”.

Fatodu added that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has provided extraordinary backing for the Commission’s interventions, aimed at advancing athletes’ capacity, competence, and performance. The Director-General assured an excellent outing, noting that the athletes are well motivated to make the state proud.

He said, “This support has been instrumental in driving the Commission’s success. We are optimistic that our deliberate efforts will yield multiple podium appearances for Lagos State”.

“Lagosians should expect nothing less than excellence. Our athletes are the cynosure of all eyes, and they will entertain, show stellar performance, and inspire everyone in the sporting ecosystem”, he added.

Fatodu averred that the state is determined to show dominance in various sports, including athletics, swimming, boxing, and weightlifting. “With a focus on appropriateness and ending age cheating in football, the Commission is committed to advancing the careers of young athletes. Lagos’ winning formula is based on empirical analysis, ensuring that every athlete presented fits into the appropriate age category”.

According to him, with talented athletes and a well-crafted strategy, Lagos State is poised to take its rightful place as a sporting powerhouse in Nigeria and beyond.

The Director-General emphasised that the state will continue to maintain its status as a pacesetter in sports and talent development, adding that Lagos is noted for excellence and the state is going for nothing short of excellence.

“We are very optimistic that we will come out even better than our last outing. Lagos State is taking back its place as the home of multi-sports in Nigeria, and we will see dominance in athletics, swimming, and other competitive areas”, he asserted.