Lagos State Government, in partnership with a tech company, TECNO, recently launched a project to provide standard football pitches across the state with the groundbreaking for the facility at Sura Under Bridge, Lagos Island.
The partnership which signifies a new era for grassroots football in Nigeria will see TECNO transform underutilised fields into state-of-the-art training centres and impact the development of local talents to achieve their potential.
Speaking at the event, Director-General, Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), Lekan Fatodu said that the partnership is a manifestation of a successful commitment between the private sector and the government to develop sports in various communities.
Fatodu stated that the PPP arrangement will aid talent identification and development, serving as an avenue to groom and nurture football stars who will compete at the highest level and bring glory to the state and country in the future.
“We are focusing on developing a more deserving and appropriate astroturf pitch for the community. We are so excited that it was well embraced by the community, and they are also giving us their promise on securing the project,”he stated.
While acknowledging the impact of the project which is in line with the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus agenda of promoting social inclusion and sports development, Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende reiterated the commitment of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu‘s administration to leave no one behind.
Ogunlende said sports, especially football, have proven to be a great tool to engage the youth positively by keeping them off the streets and putting them in a position where they can have the opportunity to show their talent and become global stars.
The Commissioner pointed out that the government alone cannot bear the burden of developing the youth, appreciating TECNO for their initiative aimed at enhancing infrastructures.
“The government can’t do it alone, and neither can private organisations do it alone. We should always come together to collaborate, united we stand, divided we fall. There is power in collaboration, which is why we are here now. Also, we are here for the groundbreaking so that the community will be aware of what we are trying to do collectively, It is going to be a pilot project,” he said.
Representative of TECNO, Charles Edosomwan said the ambitious initiative demonstrates TECNO’s commitment to empower talents and support the youth to attain potential.
“TECNO likes to empower youth within the grassroots. We are happy because the facility is already used for football. We plan to make the pitch ‘FA’ standard and get the youth to train and play in a better and safer environment, using the facility to hone their skills and live their dreams. By transforming one pitch at a time, TECNO aims to revitalise 100 football pitches across Africa, with Lagos being the first beneficiary of the highly impactful project,” he noted.
