LSSC inaugurates boards of sports associations

Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) yesterday inaugurated 40 Boards of sports associations on behalf of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to increase growth of sports in the state was held at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Indoor Sports Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere, Lagos State.

The swearing in, which was done by the Commission’s Executive Chairman, Dr. Kweku Tandor, was attended by chairmen and board members of the sports associations, past chairmen, former directors general of the commission and sports enthusiasts. Tandoh, who charged them to go down to the grassroots in their bid to develop their various sports, said: “I have no doubt that chairmen and board members are people of proven integrity.

“I am happy that even before these appointments, many of you have been actively involved in the activities of these associations. This shows the genuine passion you all have for these sports and I believe you will not fail in these duties. This is a call to serve to all of you today.”

In his speech, the Director General of the Commission, Mr. Babatunde Bank-Anthony, appealed to the new Boards to reach out to the corporate world in making funds available for their associations.

“While the government is pleased to take the leading role in the support of sports, I wish to encourage you all to engage the corporate Nigeria in your efforts to promote your sport.

“Sports all over the world is private sector driven, and as Lagos is the commercial nerve centre of West Africa, we expect to leverage on this and successfully incorporate the private sector into sports.

“Sport is a global business that yields vast returns for the corporate world all over. We need to get our thinking caps on, begin to speak private sector language and persuade them to join us in boosting Lagos State sports. Sports sponsorship in Lagos should be a viable marketing and business investment, and more than merely a CSR exercise. It is up to us as a team to create an enabling environment to convince corporate Lagos of the value in sports and persuade them to invest,” he said. The inauguration ceremony also witnessed presentation of awards to some past chairmen of some sports associations.