The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has rewarded the victorious Team Lagos contingent for their outstanding performance at the 9th National Youth Games held in Asaba, Delta State, where Lagos topped the medal table for the first time in the history of the competition for under-15 athletes.
EpeInsights reports that team Lagos emerged overall champions at the games, dethroning host Delta State by winning a total of 110 medals — 52 gold, 32 silver, and 26 bronze — a feat that marks a new chapter in the state’s sporting history.
Speaking at a special reception held in honour of the athletes, coaches, and officials at the Lagos House, Ikeja, on Friday, Governor Sanwo-Olu described the victory as a monumental achievement and a testament to the government’s sustained investment in youth and sports development.
He commended the Lagos State Sports Commission under the leadership of its Director-General, Mr. Lekan Fatodu, for the strategic planning and dedication that led to the historic success.
Sanwo-Olu praised the young athletes for making Lagos proud and encouraged them to remain focused, combining academic excellence with their sporting pursuits. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to nurturing young talents and providing the right environment for them to thrive.
The governor expressed optimism that many of the athletes would represent Nigeria at continental and global competitions in the future, noting that Lagos State would continue to invest in modern sports infrastructure and grassroots development.
The highlight of the ceremony was the announcement of cash rewards for all athletes, coaches, and officials in recognition of their efforts. Each of the 41 individual gold medallists received N500,000, while athletes who won gold in teams of two also received N500,000 per team. Gold medallists in team sports received N1 million.
For silver medallists, individual winners were rewarded with N300,000 each, winners in a team of two got N300,000 per team, while silver medallists in team events received N700,000 per team. Bronze medallists in individual categories received N250,000 each, doubles teams received N250,000 per team, while team event winners got N500,000.
Non-medal-winning athletes were not left out, as each of them received N100,000. Sixty-one coaches were rewarded with N300,000 each, while the management of the Lagos State Sports Commission received N25 million in recognition of their commitment to driving the state’s sports agenda.
Governor Sanwo-Olu’s gesture has been widely described as unprecedented, reflecting the government’s unwavering commitment to youth development, sports excellence, and the nurturing of future champions.
Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, commended the governor’s visionary leadership, saying the event was not only about rewards but also about celebrating dedication, perseverance, and teamwork. He described the reception as a lifetime experience that would inspire the athletes to pursue greater accomplishments.
He lauded the governor for his consistent belief in the potential of Lagos youths and for providing continuous support through infrastructural and human development initiatives in sports.
The event was graced by top government officials, including the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin; Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende; Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Hon. Jamiu Alli-Balogun; Chairman, House Committee on Youth, Sports and Social Development, Hon. Abiodun Orekoya; Senior Special Assistant to the President, Hon. Adeyinka Adeboye; Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso; and several corporate executives.
Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized that the administration’s continued investment in youth and sports aligns with the Greater Lagos Rising agenda, which envisions a state where young people are empowered to excel in every sphere of life.
He said the victory of Team Lagos at the National Youth Games was a symbol of collective effort, discipline, and the unrelenting pursuit of excellence. According to him, Lagos will continue to produce champions and future leaders through its commitment to sports and education.
The reception underscored the state government’s recognition of sports as a vital tool for youth empowerment, social inclusion, and community development. The governor reaffirmed that his administration would continue to promote initiatives that build confidence, discipline, and character among young people across Lagos.
With the victory in Asaba, Lagos has set a new benchmark for grassroots sports development in Nigeria, reaffirming its position as a leader in youth empowerment and talent discovery.
