By Ghazali Ibrahim
The Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has inaugurated the Board of the Lagos State Sports Trust Fund, charging members to prioritise grassroots sports development and attract private sector investment to strengthen the sector.
The inauguration ceremony, held at Lagos House, Marina, marked a renewed push by the state government to reposition sports as a key driver of youth development and social engagement.
Addressing the newly constituted board, the governor said their primary mandate is to grow sports in Lagos from the grassroots level.
“I have asked this team to stay focused on one clear goal, which is to grow sports in Lagos from the grassroots up,” Sanwo-Olu said. “This means investing in school sports, supporting community competitions, and improving the facilities we already have across our divisions.”
He noted that while Lagos boasts abundant sporting talent, sustained success requires adequate infrastructure and funding.
“Lagos has never had a shortage of potential, but we all know that even the best athletes can only go so far without the right infrastructure or funding. The talent is here and it is our responsibility to give it the support it deserves,” the governor added.
The board is chaired by Enitan Oshodi, with Olaposi Agunbiade serving as Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer. Other members include Olabode Agoro, Adeniyi Adedokun Adekoya, Gbolahan Onibuje, Jubril Gawat, Kikelomo Bolarinwa, Olayemi Sarumi, Lekan Fatodu, Moshood Ajide, Engr. Ibrahim Adigun, the Chairman of the Local Government and Local Council Development Area chairmen, and the Chairman of the Lagos State Sports Commission.
Sanwo-Olu urged the board to leverage their professional experience to mobilise private sector support for sports development in the state.
“I have charged them to use their professional experience to attract private sector support. Together, we will build the strong institutions needed to sustain sports development in Lagos for years to come,” he said.
The Lagos State Sports Trust Fund is expected to serve as a vehicle for funding sports initiatives and building institutional frameworks that will nurture talent and ensure long-term growth of the sector across the state.
