9th NYG: Lagos dominance is investment in grassroots sports development — Official

Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, has hailed Lagos State’s dominance in the swimming event at the ongoing 9th National Youth Games (NYG) in Asaba, describing it as a clear validation of the state government’s sustained investment in grassroots sports development.

The swimming competition concluded on Tuesday at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, with Team Lagos finishing top of the medal table after securing 23 medals — 19 gold and four silver.

Edo State finished a distant second with 10 medals, comprising three gold, three silver, and four bronze, while host state Delta claimed third place with two gold, 10 silver, and five bronze medals.

Speaking after the event, Mr Fatodu attributed the remarkable performance to the state’s long-term strategy, which focuses on deliberate investments, effective leadership, and competent resource management within the Lagos State Sports Commission.

“It’s actually a testament, validation of the resources, support, and infrastructural improvement that Mr Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is doing. The manifestation of that investment is what we have seen in the performances of our athletes and the outcomes in terms of multiple gold medals that Lagos athletes have gotten this event,” he said.

Mr Fatodu added that the impressive medal haul reinforces Lagos State’s position as the country’s powerhouse in swimming, especially at the youth level.

“There’s no better way to rate the performance than what we have seen in terms of the multiple gold medals the swimmers have earned. It has actually reaffirmed the position of Lagos State as the leader in swimming in Nigeria. It has also further proven that currently, Lagos swimmers, U-15 athletes are actually the best across Nigeria, and we will continue to do better.”

The swimming events were keenly followed by athletes from other sports, as well as parents and supporters, creating an electric atmosphere at the stadium’s poolside.

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Mr Fatodu emphasised the importance of the National Youth Games as a platform for discovering, nurturing, and developing young talents who can grow to represent Nigeria on the international stage.

“Sporting events fosters unity and peace and brings people from different parts of the country together. They provide a platform for positive interactions and motivate young athletes, offering them a pathway of self-actualisation, realisation, and future greatness,” Mr Fatodu stated.

As the multi-sport event continues, Team Lagos is not just winning medals but also setting new records and writing their names into the history books of the National Youth Games.