–To host athletes, officials at State House

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has promised to host members of the team that just won the 9th National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State.

Even before the closing ceremony of the Games on Saturday, Team Lagos was sure of finishing top on the medals table ahead of host, Delta and Edo State.

Speaking with the athletes and their officials on a video conference organised inside the SpringHill Hotel in Asaba on Saturday morning, Governor Sanwo-Olu commended the young athletes, their coaches and officials of Lagos Sports Commission for doing the state proud.

“We are very proud of you for winning the National Youth Games,” Sanwo-Olu said. “I am really excited that Lagos is showing Nigeria we are the best in sports. In the next one or two weeks, we will all gather at the State House to celebrate this great achievement and have dinner together.”

The Governor also thanked parents of the athletes for allowing their children represent Lagos, just as he urged the athletes to stay away from anything that will bring shame to their schools and parents as they continue their journey into the U17 teams and national teams.
Governor Sanwo-Olu also showered praises on the Director-General of Lagos State Commission, Lekan Fatodu, for a job well done.

Every message of Governor Sanwo-Olu was met with a loud response from the athletes, who shouted “Eko, Eko, Eko.”

The Lagos Sports Commission boss, Fatodu, commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for his commitment to grassroots sports development, saying: “There is no other way to thank you than this great achievement. Over the years, you have demonstrated your commitment to grassroots sports development and the success is what we are celebrating now. For the first time, Lagos is regaining the No. One position in Nigerian sports, and I want to assure you that this is just the beginning for our sports.

“Lagos is the only state that fielded athletes with the real age in this Games, and I am proud to tell you that a Lagos schoolboy defeated his ‘senior’ brothers to emerge the 200m champion. Our U15 girls also won the female football gold. We really appreciate your support,” Fatodu stated.

As at Friday evening, Team Lagos had stormed to the summit of the medal table with a huge gap of 82 medals, which includes 40 gold, 25 silver, and 17 bronze.

Host, Team Delta, was in second position with 30 gold, 32 silver and 30 bronze, while Team Edo was in third position with 30 gold, 12 silver and 20 bronze medals.

The closing ceremony of the 9th National Youth Games was expected to commence at 2pm this Saturday at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.