The 9th National Youth Games, held in Asaba, Delta State, witnessed a historic shift in power as Team Lagos dethroned the long-reigning champions, Delta State, to claim their first-ever overall victory in the under-15 multi-sport event. Lagos amassed an impressive medal haul of 51 gold, 31 silver, and 24 bronze, decisively ending Delta’s dominance since the Games’ inception in 2013. This resounding triumph marked a significant milestone for Lagos State, establishing their sporting prowess on the national stage and signaling a promising future for youth athletics in the region.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, brimming with pride, addressed the victorious athletes and officials via video conference, expressing his elation at their historic achievement. He lauded their dedication and hard work, emphasizing the significance of their victory in showcasing Lagos as a leading force in Nigerian sports. The Governor’s message resonated with the young athletes, reinforcing their sense of accomplishment and inspiring them to further pursue excellence in their respective disciplines. He promised a grand reception at the State House in the coming weeks, where the team would be celebrated with a special dinner, further highlighting the government’s recognition and appreciation of their outstanding performance.
Beyond the immediate celebration, Governor Sanwo-Olu also emphasized the importance of maintaining discipline and integrity. He urged the young athletes to avoid any actions that could tarnish their reputation, their schools’, or their families’. This message underscores the importance of character development alongside athletic achievement, highlighting the role of sports in shaping well-rounded individuals. The Governor’s words served as a reminder that their success carries a responsibility to represent their state and themselves with honor and dignity as they progress through the ranks of youth sports and potentially onto national teams.
The impressive performance by Team Lagos was not merely a stroke of luck but the culmination of a dedicated effort towards grassroots sports development. Lekan Fatodu, the Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, attributed the victory to Governor Sanwo-Olu’s unwavering commitment to nurturing young talent. He praised the Governor’s consistent support and investment in grassroots programs, which have laid the foundation for this historic triumph. Fatodu emphasized that this victory is not an isolated incident but a testament to the long-term vision and strategic investment in the future of sports in Lagos State, signaling a new era of sporting excellence.
Fatodu further highlighted the integrity and ethical standards upheld by Team Lagos throughout the competition. He proudly declared that Lagos was the only state that fielded athletes strictly adhering to the age regulations, underscoring their commitment to fair play and the development of genuine young talent. He cited the inspiring example of a Lagos schoolboy who, despite competing against older and theoretically more experienced athletes, emerged victorious in the 200m race, demonstrating the effectiveness of their grassroots development initiatives. This commitment to ethical practices further enhances the significance of their victory, presenting Lagos as a model for other states to emulate.
Team Lagos’s dominance extended across a diverse range of sports, showcasing their versatility and depth of talent. They excelled in swimming, gymnastics, cycling, boxing, athletics, football, basketball, volleyball, chess, and wushu-kungfu, demonstrating a comprehensive sporting program that nurtures talent across various disciplines. This broad-based success speaks volumes about the effectiveness of the state’s sports development strategies and their ability to identify and cultivate young athletes with potential across a spectrum of sporting endeavors. The closing ceremony at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba served as a fitting culmination of their triumphant campaign, solidifying their place as the new champions of the National Youth Games and marking the dawn of a new era for Lagos State sports.
