As part of measures to unlock investment opportunities in sports, and improve talent development for economic growth, the Lagos State Sports Commission, Ministry of Commerce and Investment as well as other stakeholders have activated a strategic partnership.
This was revealed recently when the LSSC played host to the duo of international American Football players, Odafe Oweh and Jesse Luketa and the Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade & Investment, Folashade Ambrose-Medebem and the Permanent Secretary, Olugbemiga Ayoola Aina at an event designed to unlock opportunities for Partnerships in sports held at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
The programme, which was tagged: “Pep Talk, Meet and Greet with Members of American Football League”, was organised as a platform to inspire young people, gain knowledge of diverse sporting interests of the youths, and give thoughts on how such passions can be effectively nurtured from the standpoint of the NFL.
Lekan Fatodu, the Director-General,
Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) said opportunities abound in the state with the right infrastructure, expertise and collaboration with critical stakeholders for a well-rounded development of budding stars. He added that the LSSC remains steadfast in its commitment to providing a platform for talents and athletes to thrive, as it is dedicated to unlocking investment and business opportunities in sports.
Furthermore, Fatodu described Lagos as a hub for sports development and the presence of the NFL players would enhance the opportunities for expanding sporting activities and engagements.
The duo of Odafe and Jesse who have played American Football to the highest level in the NFL posited that the sport has changed their lives totally and it’s an opportunity for anybody who uses the platform correctly, stressing that it is amazing coming back to invest in youth and giving back to the society particularly introducing the teachings of America Football.
The event went beyond inspiring the next generation; it also provided an avenue for the management of the Lagos State Sports Commission to engage with crucial stakeholders.
A tour of the Teslim Balogun Stadium and productive discussions on collaboration towards investment opportunities in sports particularly its infrastructure were held towards cultivating Lagos as a seedbed for future sporting stars, not just in American Football but across board.
