Oluwatoyin Gafaar, Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, highlighted the state’s roadmap for 2024, emphasizing the focus on children’s sports development to positively channel their energy.
The Director-General reiterated the commission’s dedication to the holistic development of sports in Lagos State. With an eye on the future, the emphasis is placed on nurturing young talents, recognizing the pivotal role sports play in character building, and instilling discipline. Gafaar underlined the significance of investing in grassroots sports programs that identify and nurture budding athletes from a tender age.
A notable aspect of Lagos State’s sports development strategy is the prioritization of girl-child education. Gafaar highlighted the importance of empowering girls through sports, not only as a means of physical fitness but also as a tool for building confidence, leadership skills, and a sense of empowerment. The commission aims to break gender barriers in sports, providing equal opportunities for girls to participate, compete, and excel.
Recognizing the pivotal role infrastructure plays in the development of athletes, Gafaar pledged substantial investment in sports facilities across the state. The plan includes the renovation and construction of modern sports facilities, ensuring that athletes have access to world-class training grounds. This commitment aims to create an environment that fosters excellence, where athletes can hone their skills and compete at the highest level.
The DG underscored the commission’s commitment to harnessing sports development, emphasizing the prioritization of girl-child education and the creation of a conducive environment for athletes to excel, as stated in a recent announcement.
Gafaar commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration for substantial investments in sports infrastructure. Additionally, plans for the upcoming year include the timely completion of facilities undergoing renovation, set to be delivered in the first month of the new year.
“We have to give a big thank you to Mr. Governor for always being at our aid to show love to our children. Sports is mostly about youth engagement in line with the T.H.E.M.E.S. Plus agenda, which includes girl-child education, youth development, and others.
“The key part of the roadmap is to have facilities to develop and expand the activities of youths in Lagos. That’s our target. To have our children and younger ones where they can channel their energy,” he was quoted to have said.
Lagos State’s commitment to sports development, particularly the emphasis on youth engagement and girl-child education, marks a significant step towards creating a vibrant sporting culture. The visionary approach outlined by Oluwatoyin Gafaar, the Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, reflects a dedication to building a strong foundation for future generations of athletes. As the state invests in state-of-the-art facilities and inclusive programs, the promise of a thriving sports community in Lagos becomes an exciting reality.
