Agege Sports Club has unveiled ambitious plans to redevelop the aging Ladoje Sports Complex, coinciding with its 10th anniversary celebrations held at the Johnson Agiri Event Centre in New Oko Oba, Lagos. The club’s president, Stanley Adiele, stated that the revamped sports complex will be outfitted with modern facilities to serve the Agege community and surrounding areas. The club is actively seeking support from generous individuals and organizations to help bring this project to fruition. This initiative not only reflects the club’s commitment to enhancing sports infrastructure but also aims to foster a healthier, more active lifestyle among community members.
Adiele emphasized the club’s growth, highlighting an increase in membership from just a handful to over 100, representing various ethnicities and religions. This diverse mix of members has cultivated a sense of unity and camaraderie, transcending cultural and social barriers. The club’s motto, “Wellness through Sports,” underlines its commitment to promoting fitness and healthy living among its members. Adiele expressed pride in the connections forged within the club, describing it as a large, integrated family bound by values such as respect, discipline, teamwork, and inclusion, which are vital in fostering understanding and cooperation in a multicultural environment.
At the anniversary event, Hon. Yinka Ogundinmu, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, received an excellence award in recognition of the club’s significant contributions to grassroots sports development through its football and basketball academies. Ogundinmu shared that these academies play a crucial role in nurturing young talents, pointing to notable success stories like Peace Effiong, a player from the club’s academy currently representing Nigeria at the FIFA Women U-17 World Cup in the Dominican Republic. Such achievements highlight the club’s dedication to building a robust grassroots sports program that not only uplifts individual athletes but also enriches the entire sports community.
The celebration saw the attendance of distinguished guests, including the Aladegbade II of Araromi Alade Kingdom, Oba Adeyemi Fatai Adelekan, and Dr. Rafiu Ladipo, the President-General of the Nigeria Sports Supporters Club. Additionally, Hon. Olarenwaju Moshood Osun, a federal lawmaker representing Lagos Mainland, graced the occasion with his presence. The participation of these prominent figures underscores the importance of the club in the local sports scene and the broader commitment to developing sports across Nigeria. Their support emphasizes the potential the club has to impact sports development at various levels and encourages community engagement in sporting activities.
The club’s Public Relations Officer, Remi Aboderin, articulated that this anniversary serves as a moment to reflect on the dedication of the Board of Trustees, the zeal of the Executive Committee, and the unwavering support of club members. He reiterated the club’s vision and mission, which focus on promoting wellness through sports by creating opportunities for physical activity and advocating for a healthier lifestyle. Aboderin noted that the club remains steadfast in its objectives, fostering a culture where sports and physical fitness are integral to community well-being.
The event also recognized outstanding members through special awards and marked the youth team’s success, awarding them a trophy for winning the club’s football competition. Agege Sports Club currently boasts five active sporting sections, including aerobics, table tennis, tennis, table sports, and football. Members come together on weekends and public holidays to engage in various sports activities, demonstrating a vibrant commitment to health and fitness. The club’s initiatives not only provide members with enjoyable recreational opportunities but also strengthen communal bonds, fostering a spirit of teamwork and perseverance.
