Lagos Veteran Swimmers Commend LSSC DG for Grassroots Sports Development Success

The Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), Lekan Fatodu, was recently celebrated by the Lagos State Old Swimmers Association (LOSA), receiving a prestigious award for his invaluable contributions and dedicated support toward the development of grassroots sports, particularly swimming, within the state. This significant recognition was directly tied to the sterling performance of young Lagos swimmers who made history by clinching an impressive haul of 19 gold medals at the 9th edition of the National Youth Games held in Asaba, Delta State.

​This remarkable achievement at the National Youth Games was a landmark moment for Team Lagos. For the first time in the history of the U-15 developmental multi-sport event, Team Lagos emerged as the overall champions, successfully dethroning the perennial winners, Delta State. Swimming, under the DG's leadership, played a profoundly significant role in the state's total medal count, proving its status as a vital component of the state's sporting success matrix. This victory firmly cemented Lagos's reputation as Nigeria's most vibrant state in terms of dedicated talent identification and developmental programs.

The success is attributed not only to the raw talent of the athletes but also to the Commission's strategy of providing an enabling environment that promotes excellence. The Director General has been instrumental in creating the necessary infrastructure and support systems, while actively encouraging technical personnel and coaches to excel in their duties and nurture the next generation of sporting heroes. The award presented by LOSA was specifically designed to celebrate the spirit of excellence and robust collaboration that is currently propelling swimming development across all levels in Lagos State.

​The Awards ceremony served a dual purpose: it was a platform to celebrate the current achievements under the LSSC DG, but also to pay homage to the remarkable achievements of past administrators, coaches, and swimmers. This continuity and recognition of history underscore the deep-rooted commitment to the sport within the state. By celebrating its veterans, the Association ensures that the current generation benefits from a rich legacy of experience and success, fostering a strong, intergenerational bond within the swimming community.

Looking toward the future, the Lagos State Old Swimmers Association has publicly pledged to actively work with and support the Lagos State Swimming Association. This collaborative effort aims to pool resources, experience, and dedication to effectively bring back the glory days of swimming to Lagos. By aligning the wisdom of the veterans with the energy of the current administration, the state is well-positioned to maintain its competitive edge and continue dominating national developmental sporting events.