2 weeks Ago By Guardian Nigeria
Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has assured sports stakeholders that his government will continue to intervene to get the sector’s critical infrastructure in good shape as part of its sports development efforts. Speaking while handing over the newly refurbished Rowe Park swimming pool to the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSTF) on Thursday, Sanwo-Olu said that the state would extend its intervention to other divisions of the state. The Rowe Park Sports Centre’s swimming pool, as well as two tennis courts, a handball court, a volleyball court and a basketball court were refurbished by the LSSTF with donations from notable Nigerians, including Chief Kessignton Adebukunola Adebutu, who contributed N200 million.
Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Bolaji Ogunlende, said that the LSSTF understands the place of sports in the overall youths’ development and the multiplier effects on the larger society, and therefore, worked tirelessly to complete the Rowe Park projects. He added that the yearly LSSTF’s procurement and distribution of sports equipment to the state’s public schools has given more students access to quality facilities, enabling the youths to develop their skills and compete at higher levels. Addressing the Sports Commission, athletes, coaches and sports enthusiasts expected to utilise the facility, Sanwo-Olu said: “I urge you to take advantage of this state-of-the-art swimming pool.
“As we handover this facility today, we are not just commissioning a new swimming pool, we are also opening doors to new opportunities, promoting healthy lifestyles, and increase in number of medals in Swimming for our state in future competitive events. “I urge you all to take ownership of this swimming pool and protect it from vandalism and abuse.”He commended Chief Adebutu for his kind gesture to the Fund, just as he thanked the “Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authorities for their tremendous support to the Lagos State Sports Trust Fund over the years.
” Earlier, LSSTF’s Executive Secretary, Olaposi Agunbiade, disclosed that the rehabilitation of the facilities were made possible by Chief Adebutu, Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority, Julius Berger Plc., Sterling Bank, LASACO Assurance and the Lagos State Inland Revenue Services. He thanked “Nigeria Aquatic Federation for rendering free consultancy services/professional advice to the LSSTF in line with FINA rules and specification,” adding, “the swimming pool will provide a platform for our young people to develop their talents, build their confidence and pursue their dream.
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