Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo‑Olu has set the tone for a major push to transform the sports landscape in Nigeria’s most populous state, urging the newly inaugurated board of the Lagos State Sports Trust Fund (LSSTF) to spark what he described as a “sports renaissance.”
At the inauguration ceremony in Lagos House, Marina, Governor Sanwo‑Olu challenged the board to harness their expertise, professional networks, and leadership skills to build a robust sports funding institution that will support athletes, upgrade facilities, and strengthen grassroots development across every part of the state.
“The mandate is straightforward , to support funding in sports and establish strong institutions for today and future generations,” Sanwo‑Olu told the board members. He specifically called for increased investment in grassroots and school sports, noting that nurturing talent from a young age is critical for long‑term success and putting Lagos on the map as a sporting powerhouse.
The newly inaugurated LSSTF board is chaired by Enitan Oshodi, a former Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development and current President of the International Table Tennis Federation Africa, while Olaposi Agunbiade has been appointed Executive Secretary and CEO. Other members bring diverse professional experience, ranging from local government leadership to sports management , all united by the governor’s vision of transforming Lagos sports from the grassroots up.
Governor Sanwo‑Olu emphasised that integrating private sector support into sports development is a key priority. He said that while government funding has contributed significantly, it is not enough on its own for a megacity of over 20 million people. By creating pathways for collaboration with businesses and philanthropists, the LSSTF can unlock more resources, improve facilities, and provide better opportunities for athletes at all levels.
In response, Chairman Enitan Oshodi underlined the board’s commitment to building sustainable funding models that will support both infrastructure improvements and athlete development. He stressed that the board’s short‑term goals include visible successes in funding and facility upgrades, while the long‑term ambition is a sustainable framework for sports growth that benefits communities across Lagos State.
As the LSSTF board begins work, many in Lagos’ sporting circles are watching with anticipation. The governor’s call for a sports renaissance is more than just rhetoric ,it’s a clear directive for renewed energy, collaboration, and innovation aimed at giving athletes, schools, and local communities the support they need to excel.
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