Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has showered money rewards on the state’s victorious contingent to the 2025 Nationwide Youth Video games, describing their historic triumph as a defining second for sports activities improvement in Lagos and a testomony to disciplined youth empowerment.
At a particular reception held in honour of the athletes on the Lagos Home, Alausa, on Friday, Governor Sanwo-Olu personally congratulated the younger stars, their coaches, and fogeys for his or her record-breaking efficiency on the Video games.
Lagos shocked host state Delta to emerge general champions for the primary time within the historical past of the competitors, successful a complete of 110 medals — 52 gold, 32 silver, and 26 bronze. Delta, who had dominated the video games for seven consecutive editions since 2016, completed second, whereas Edo State positioned third.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, visibly elated as he addressed the gathering, described the feat as “a victory written in gold” that signaled the daybreak of a brand new period in youth sports activities for the state.
“You haven’t solely written your personal names in gold, you could have written the title of Lagos State in gold,” the Governor declared. “The Governor of Delta State himself instructed me that although they misplaced this time, Lagos has one of the best future — one of the best set of athletes within the nation. That, for me, is a large praise.”
To reward their dedication, Mr Sanwo-Olu introduced beneficiant money prizes for all classes of medalists. Gold medalists will obtain N500,000 every, whereas silver medalists will get N300,000, and bronze medalists N250,000. Groups that gained gold will obtain N1 million every, whereas silver and bronze-winning groups will get N700,000 and N500,000 respectively. Non-medalists aren’t overlooked, as each collaborating athlete will go dwelling with N100,000.
The Governor additionally rewarded the 61 coaches with N300,000 every and accredited N25 million for the administration group of the Lagos State Sports activities Fee in recognition of their management.
He took the chance to commend dad and mom for his or her function in supporting the athletes, urging them to offer their youngsters with balanced diets and ethical steerage. “Please, cook dinner good meals for them. They’re rising and wish nourishment. Don’t give daddy all of the meat — give the youngsters,” he quipped, drawing laughter from the group.
Governor Sanwo-Olu used the occasion to reaffirm his administration’s funding in sports activities infrastructure, disclosing that ten new mini stadia have been below building throughout Lagos. “About three or 4 are already accomplished. The principle one at Teslim Balogun ought to be prepared earlier than the top of the yr,” he stated. “We’re constructing services in Ikorodu, Badagry, Epe, Agege, and different places so that each younger particular person with expertise can discover a platform to thrive.”
He additionally inspired the athletes to stay disciplined and dedicated to each their lecturers and sporting careers. “You might be nonetheless younger — 12, 13, 14, 15 years previous. Preserve your physique and thoughts wholesome. Don’t have interaction in something that can convey disgrace to your title, your college, or the state,” the Governor suggested.
Director Normal of the Lagos State Sports activities Fee, Lekan Fatodu, praised the athletes for his or her unprecedented efficiency, describing it as “a reaffirmation that Lagos is the heartbeat of Nigeria’s sporting excellence.”
“Mr Governor, we have now in our midst a few of the finest swimmers below 15 in Nigeria, and a brand new nationwide champion within the 200 meters,” Mr Fatodu stated. “A few of our athletes have already been invited to signify the nation in continental competitions. Lagos is now firmly established as Nigeria’s primary hub for developmental sports activities.”
Mr Fatodu additionally cited the inspiring story of 14-year-old Emmanuel Okolo, who shocked the sector to win the 100m title in a dramatic photograph end. “That’s the way forward for Lagos sports activities,” he stated.
In an emotional second, dad and mom of the athletes, represented by a spokesperson, expressed gratitude to Governor Sanwo-Olu and the Sports activities Fee for his or her unwavering dedication to youth improvement. “Your imaginative and prescient and constant encouragement have created an surroundings the place younger Lagosians can dream, practice, and excel,” she stated. “This victory is as a lot yours as it’s ours.”
Personal sector companions additionally joined within the celebration, with the Managing Director of Coast Assurance, Lekan Ajisafe, asserting sponsorship of ten Lagos athletes with N1 million every. “When the state is doing job, the personal sector will at all times assist,” Mr Ajisafe stated.
The occasion climaxed with a heartfelt message from 15-year-old Rofiat Yusuf, captain of the state’s feminine soccer group, who spoke on behalf of the athletes.
“Thanks, Mr Governor, to your assist and for giving us the platform to unleash our potential,” she stated. “We’re proud to be the champions of the Nationwide Youth Video games 2025.”
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Because the night drew to a detailed, Governor Sanwo-Olu assured that the state would proceed to nurture younger abilities and supply one of the best services for them to excel each regionally and internationally. “What you require probably the most will not be the money, however the suitable surroundings, the suitable tools, and steady assist,” he stated. “We’re dedicated to supplying you with all of that. I’ll be watching out for every of you as future stars of Lagos and of Nigeria.”
By this victory, Staff Lagos has not solely ended Delta State’s lengthy reign but additionally positioned the Centre of Excellence as the brand new powerhouse of grassroots sports activities in Nigeria.
