Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday inaugurated 44 chairmen of sports associations in the State and urged them to bolster grassroots development, identify emerging talents, and develop sustainable pathways for athletes to achieve national and international excellence.

Speaking during the official inauguration of the chairmen of the sports associations at Lagos House, Ikeja, Governor Sanwo-Olu described the appointment as a significant step towards repositioning sports administration in Lagos.

The Governor encouraged the new sports administrators to set clear and measurable objectives for their respective associations, implement succession programmes, and establish systems capable of identifying, nurturing, and transforming raw talent into elite athletes.

He emphasised that Lagos' reputation as a Centre of Excellence must extend beyond talent discovery to establishing the necessary structures, training opportunities, and competitive platforms to transform talents into champions.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, who views sports not merely as recreation but as a pathway to discipline, education, employment, entrepreneurship, and economic growth, highlighted that major sporting events create opportunities in hospitality, transportation, entertainment, media, technology, fitness, and sports medicine.

He also called for stronger collaboration between government and the private sector, stating that increased private investment would provide a firmer platform for sports and athlete development in Lagos State.

Governor Sanwo-Olu instructed the newly inaugurated chairmen to prioritise transparency, accountability, and discipline. He also urged them to ensure their associations maintain active competition calendars and create opportunities for women, girls, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented talents.

He affirmed that their success would be measured not by the duration of their tenure but by the athletes developed, institutions strengthened, records broken, and champions produced during their tenure.

Referring to Lagos' recent performance at national sporting competitions, the Governor underscored what can be achieved when talent is supported by a functional system, stressing the importance of creating a continuous pathway from schools to training grounds, competitions, and ultimately to national, continental, and global stages.

He highlighted Lagos' hosting of the National Intermediate Games as part of efforts to strengthen the city's leadership in sports development and to provide a platform for young athletes nationwide.

The Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr Lekan Fatodu, stated that the inauguration of the sports association chairmen demonstrated the incumbent administration's commitment to sports development.

Fatodu remarked that government alone cannot develop the state's sports sector, emphasising the need for stronger partnerships among government, sports associations, athletes, coaches, corporate organisations, schools, and local communities.

He described the new chairmen as vital links between athletes and their respective sporting communities, noting their responsibilities include talent identification, athlete development, competition organisation, technical capacity building, and creating pathways for athletes to compete and succeed.

The Director-General disclosed that Lagos State had deliberately appointed accomplished men and women across various sports disciplines to provide leadership, mentorship, and opportunities for young athletes.

Speaking on behalf of the sports association chairmen, the Chairman of the Lagos State Athletics Association, Dr Solomon Alao, in his Vote of Assurance, said they are committed to supporting the government's vision for sports development.

He said the opportunity to engage directly with Governor Sanwo-Olu had dispelled doubts about the administration's dedication to the associations, describing the inauguration as a renewed source of strength and motivation.

Dr. Alao assured the State Government that the new leadership would strive to deliver credible, progressive, and impactful results across their respective sporting associations.

He added that the chairmen felt reinforced by the confidence placed in them and were eager to work towards better outcomes for athletes and sports growth in Lagos.