Lagos State has stamped its authority on the swimming event at the ongoing National Youth Games, emerging as the undisputed champions after an outstanding performance that reaffirmed its dominance in grassroots sports development.
Epeinsights gathered that the swimming competition, which concluded on Tuesday at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, saw Lagos athletes deliver a masterclass in the pool, finishing with a remarkable haul of 23 medals – 19 gold and four silver.
Edo State came a distant second with 10 medals (three gold, three silver, four bronze), while the host, Delta State, settled for third place with 17 medals (two gold, 10 silver, five bronze).
Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), Lekan Fatodu, described the triumph as a reflection of the state government’s consistent investment in youth and grassroots sports.
“It’s actually a testament and validation of the resources, support, and infrastructural improvement that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is driving. The manifestation of that investment is what we have seen in the performances of our athletes and the multiple gold medals Lagos has won in swimming,” Fatodu said.
According to him, the brilliant outing was not a stroke of luck but the result of a well-structured system, competent technical personnel, and strategic leadership within the Lagos State Sports Commission.
He further stated that “there’s no better way to rate our performance than the sheer number of gold medals our swimmers have earned. This victory has reaffirmed Lagos State’s position as the leader in swimming in Nigeria. It also proves that our Under-15 athletes are currently the best in the country, and we will continue to build on this.”
The atmosphere at the swimming pool was electric as Lagos athletes were cheered on by teammates from other sports and proud parents who witnessed the historic achievement.
Beyond the medals, Fatodu stressed the importance of the National Youth Games as a platform for talent discovery and national integration.
“Sporting events foster unity and peace, bringing people together from different backgrounds. More importantly, they provide young athletes with a path to self-actualisation and future greatness,” he added.
As the Games continue, Lagos athletes are not only dominating the medal table but also etching their names into the history books across multiple disciplines, underlining the state’s rising reputation as a powerhouse of sports excellence in Nigeria.
