Sanwo-Olu Launches Lagos Sports Trust Fund Board for Grassroots Boost

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has inaugurated the Board of the Lagos State Sports Trust Fund (LSSTF), charging the members to leverage their expertise and networks to mobilize resources for the advancement of grassroots sports, school programs, and community-based activities across the state’s divisions.

The inauguration ceremony took place on Wednesday, February 18, at Lagos House, Marina, marking a significant step towards enhancing sports funding and infrastructure in the megacity. The board is chaired by Enitan Oshodi, the former Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development and current President of the African Table Tennis Federation (ITTF Africa), with Olaposi Agunbiade serving as the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer.

Other distinguished members include Olabode Agoro, Adeniyi Adedokun Adekoya, Gbolahan Onibuje, Jubril Gawat, Mrs. Kikelomo Bolarinwa, Mrs. Olayemi Sarumi, Lekan Fatodu, Moshood Ajide, and Engr. Ibrahim Adigun, who also serves as the Chairman of the Chairmen of Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas (LGs/LCDAs) and Chairman of the Lagos State Sports Commission.

Addressing the new board, Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized the need to build a sustainable sports ecosystem that benefits current and future generations. “The mandate is very straightforward. It is for all of you to use your contact, skill, professional background and reach to help see how we can support funding in sports and help in setting up robust institutions in sports for Lagos State for today and for future generations,” he stated.

He further implored the team to prioritize resource deployment in grassroots initiatives, school sports, and divisional activities, highlighting existing facilities that require completion or upgrades. Sanwo-Olu noted that the trust fund serves as a bridge between the government and private sector, enabling organizations to contribute without direct governmental involvement.

In his response, Chairman Enitan Oshodi expressed optimism about the board’s potential to transform sports in Lagos. He pointed out that while the state government invests heavily in the sector, additional support from the private sector is crucial in a population exceeding 20 million. “The Lagos State Government is spending a lot of money on sports, but it is never enough in a megacity like Lagos with 20 million-plus people. We need facilities to support athletes, and we all know the talents that are bound in sports in Lagos,” Oshodi said.

Drawing inspiration from global models, he referenced the United States, where sports thrive primarily on private funding, and assured that the board’s diverse expertise would attract similar partnerships. “Our main target really is the support from the private sector. And with the capacity of the people on the board, we see the private sector supporting us,” he added, outlining short-term successes and long-term development plans.

The LSSTF’s primary responsibilities include raising funds from private entities, organizations, and donors to develop, rehabilitate, and maintain sports infrastructure. It aims to foster grassroots, school, and community sports while equipping schools, sponsoring coaches, and supporting athletes to achieve excellence. This initiative aligns with ongoing efforts by the Lagos State Sports Commission, which has been commended for its work but requires supplementary private sector backing.

Reactions on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) have been positive, with users highlighting the potential for sports renaissance in Lagos. One post from a board member emphasized the fund’s role in bridging gaps and promoting athletic talent.

This development comes amid broader state investments in sports, including recent upgrades to facilities and youth programs, positioning Lagos as a hub for sporting excellence in Nigeria. With the new board in place, stakeholders anticipate increased private investments that could elevate local talents to international levels.