By; AYO OJEDOKUN, Lagos
Hon. Adedamola Kasunmu, Chairman, Youth, Sports and Social Development Committee, Lagos State House of Assembly, has said that Lagos would in no distant future become the sports hub on the African continent.
Kasunmu made the remark on Friday when the Lagos State executives of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) led by its Chairman, Debo Oshundun, paid him a courtesy visit.
The lawmaker said that the successful hosting of the Lagos City Marathon and other notable classics were good testimonies that Lagos would soon become the destination for all athletes in Africa.
He said Lagos State Government was passionate about sports development at the grassroots, stressing that talents discovered would be nurtured to stardom.
“I attended a school inter house sport and notice a young girl that was so good in all the events she participated in.
“I handed over the budding talent to the Lagos State Sports Commission for proper training and monitoring.
“To my greatest surprise, I was told that the former Nigerian sprinter, Falilat Ogunkoya-Omotayo, had also taken note of that same girl.
“I’m sure there are several other budding stars waiting for such opportunity. So, we must ensure that they are discovered and nurtured towards bringing glory to the state and the nation.
Kasunmu said that the House Committee on Sports was working closely with Lagos State Sports Commission and Ministry of Education to encourage schools sports so as to bring back its lost glory among students.
“We will ensure that more talents are discovered and policies are formulated for the welfare of our athletes,” he assured.
Kasunmu, representing Ikeja Constituency II at the Lagos State House of Assembly, pleaded with corporate bodies in the state to do more for sports to thrive.
“Sports can only survive with government and private sector participation and that is the standard practice all over the world. So, our corporate bodies should encourage the athletes to do more.
”The corporate bodies should, as matter of social responsibility, assist in sponsorship of some sporting events; they can also help in the provision of facilities and equipment,” he said.
In his response, Lagos SWAN Chairman, Oshundun, commended the state government in the area of provision of sports infrastructure.
” I must commend Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode in the area of provision of sports infrastructure and his love for sports development is also highly commendable.
The SWAN chairman also commended the lawmaker for supporting sports development at the grassroots.
”With your interest in grassroots sports development, you are giving the young athletes a prime place in your programmes for youth empowerment through sports participation.
” We are calling on other political office holders to emulate you in using sports as a tool for empowerment of our youths and curbing social vices.
” I want to assure you that the Lagos SWAN will continue to partner with Lagos State Government in the area of sports development, ” Oshundun Explained.
