- Babajide Sanwo-Olu inaugurated the board of the Lagos State Sports Trust Fund at Lagos House, Marina, charging members to mobilise resources for sports development
- The governor urged the board to prioritise grassroots and school sports, leveraging private sector partnerships to rehabilitate facilities and build sustainable institutions
- Board Chairman Enitan Oshodi stated that increased corporate backing was essential to complement government spending and drive long-term sports growth in Lagos
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Wednesday inaugurated the board of the Lagos State Sports Trust Fund, charging members to mobilise resources to strengthen grassroots and school sports across the state.
The inauguration ceremony, held at Lagos House, Marina, underscored the administration’s commitment to enhancing sports development through stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors.
Sanwo-Olu described the board’s mandate as clear and action-oriented, urging members to leverage their professional expertise, networks and industry contacts to attract funding and build enduring institutions that will support sports development for present and future generations.
“The mandate is straightforward. Use your contacts, skills, and professional background to help fund sports and establish robust institutions in Lagos State,” the governor said.
He emphasised the need to prioritise grassroots initiatives and school sports programmes, noting that several government-funded projects require rehabilitation, completion and improvement.
“I implore you to deploy resources in grassroots and school sports that encourage growth across our divisions,” he added.
According to the governor, the trust fund is designed to bridge the gap between government and private sector participation in sports development, creating a platform through which corporate organisations can contribute without bureaucratic hurdles.
“Organisations are willing to support, but reluctant to approach the government directly. This quasi-body can reach the private sector while drawing on government experience,” he explained.
The newly inaugurated board is chaired by Enitan Oshodi, with Olaposi Agunbiade serving as Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer. Other members include Olabode Agoro, Adeniyi Adekoya, Gbolahan Onibuje, Jubril Gawat, Kikelomo Bolarinwa, Olayemi Sarumi, Lekan Fatodu, Moshood Ajide and Ibrahim Adigun.
Speaking at the event, Oshodi acknowledged the substantial investment already made by the Lagos State Government in sports but noted that more funding is required in a megacity with a population exceeding 20 million.
“The Lagos State Government is spending heavily on sports, but it is never enough in a megacity of over 20 million people. We need facilities to support athletes. While the government is trying, the private sector must play a major role,” he said.
He pointed out that successful sporting nations rely significantly on private investment and expressed optimism that the board would attract strong corporate backing.
“Our main target is private sector support. With this board’s capacity, we expect quick wins and long-term sustainable sports development in Lagos,” Oshodi added.
The initiative signals renewed efforts to build a sustainable sports ecosystem in Lagos, with particular focus on nurturing young talents and improving infrastructure statewide.