Sanwo-Olu Challenges LSSTF Board to Enhance Grassroots Sports in Lagos

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, on February 18, called on the newly sworn-in members of the Lagos State Sports Trust Fund (LSSTF) to allocate resources towards enhancing grassroots and school sports, along with other sporting initiatives across different parts of the state.

The LSSTF board is headed by Enitan Oshodi, a former Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development and the current President of ITTF Africa, with Olaposi Agunbiade serving as the Executive Secretary/CEO.

During the inauguration ceremony held at Lagos House in Marina, Governor Sanwo-Olu encouraged board members to utilize their networks, expertise, and professional experiences to establish a robust sports institution for Lagos.

He stated, “The mandate is clear — to secure funding for sports and forge strong institutions for the current and future generations. I urge you to invest in grassroots and school sports and to improve facilities across our divisions. This quasi-organization can also reach out to the private sector, utilizing government insights to garner broader support.”

Mr. Oshodi highlighted the board's commitment to creating effective strategies for securing resources to improve sports facilities and nurture overall sports growth in Lagos. He noted, “The Lagos State Government is significantly investing in sports, but in a megacity with over 20 million residents, these efforts are never enough. We require facilities that support athletes, and active participation from the private sector is vital. With this board's capabilities, we are optimistic about attracting that support. Our immediate goal is success, while our long-term vision is to ensure sustainable sports development in Lagos.”

The governor’s address coincides with the state government's renewed efforts to boost private sector involvement in sports funding, aiming to reposition Lagos as a central hub for both elite and grassroots sports development. Other notable members of the board include Olabode Agoro, Adeniyi Adekoya, Gbolahan Onibuje, Jubril Gawat, Kikelomo Bolarinwa, Olayemi Sarumi, Lekan Fatodu, Moshood Ajide, and Engr. Ibrahim Adigun, who is the Chairman of the Chairmen of Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas (LGs/LCDAs).