Lagos SWAN tasks Sanwo-Olu on school sports

LAGOS State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), yesterday, charged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to build on the sporting achievements recorded in his first four years in office, while urging him to pay more attention to school sports.

In a congratulatory message signed by its chairman, Debo Oshundun, Lagos SWAN said Sanwo-Olu’s electoral victory was a testament to his lofty achievements in critical sectors in the last four years.

It acknowledged the smooth and cordial working relationship between the Lagos State Sports Commission, chairman, Sola Aiyepeku and director general, Oluwatoyin Gafaar, as well as their contribution to sports development in the state.

“The last four years was remarkable for sportsmen and women. Lagos State took it upon itself to reward many ex-internationals, who brought glory to Nigeria.

“The government also provided a platform for active athletes to succeed. Also, participation at the National Sports Festivals, National Youth Games and rewarding outstanding athletes cannot be wished away.

“The state government hosted several international competitions across many sports such as badminton, football for men and women national teams, table tennis championships and many more in its quest to expose its athletes to international competitions, while boosting the sports tourism of Lagos State,” the body said.

Lagos SWAN urged the government to, through the Lagos State Sports Commission, formulate policies that would outlive the administration and establish a path for sustainable development, while focusing on infrastructural development.

“To sustain the development, the state needs to invest in infrastructure where raw talents can be discovered and nurtured. The infrastructural deficit in Nigeria has adversely affected sports and its development. As the heartbeat of Nigeria and the centre of excellence, Lagos State must lead from the front,” it said.

Lagos SWAN charged the state to formulate policies that would encourage the fusion of sports, education and vocational training so that nobody would be left behind anybody behind.

“Many schools in Lagos State do not have sports facilities, which robs many kids opportunity of engaging in sporting activities. The state must revisit the educational curriculum and criteria for licence issuance for the operation of educational institutions within the state,” Lagos SWAN said.