In line with its mission to raise and manage funds for sustainable sports development in Lagos State, the Lagos State Sports Trust Fund (LSSTF) handed over the newly reconstructed Olympic-size swimming pool, warm-up pool, and other facilities to the State Sports Commission on Thursday, February 6, 2025.
The brief ceremony took place at the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Complex, Rowe Park, Yaba. Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Bolaji Ogunlende, commended the LSSTF management for their dedication and resilience. He highlighted their numerous sports intervention programs, including the annual procurement and distribution of sports equipment to public schools in the state.
Governor Sanwo-Olu stated, “This project is a testament to the present administration’s THEMES+ Agenda by providing world-class sports infrastructure that will benefit Lagosians. I extend my gratitude to the Platinum donor, Chief Kessington Adebukunola Adebutu (Baba Ijebu), for his generous donation of N200 million to the LSSTF for this project. My appreciation also goes to the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authorities for their tremendous support over the years.”
He assured that similar interventions would reach other divisions of the state, emphasizing the importance of sports in youth development and its positive impact on society.
The Governor urged the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) to utilize and protect the facilities from vandalism and abuse.
LSSC Director General, Lekan Fatodu praised the Governor’s leadership, which continues to attract private sector support for sports programs.
Executive Secretary of LSSTF, Olaposi Agunbiade, expressed gratitude to the Governor for his commitment to sports development. He also thanked Chief Kessington Adebukunola Adebutu, the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority, Julius Berger Plc, Sterling Bank, LASACO Assurance, the Lagos State Inland Revenue Services, and other donors for their contributions to the completion and handover of the newly reconstructed Olympic-size swimming pool, warm-up/training pool, spectator’s stand, and the rehabilitation of five outdoor sports courts for tennis, basketball, volleyball, and handball.
Agunbiade also acknowledged the Nigeria Aquatic Federation for providing free consultancy services and professional advice in line with FINA rules and specifications during the reconstruction of the Olympic-size swimming pool.