The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Hon. Adeyinka Adeboye, has commended Team Lagos for their historic performance at the 9th National Youth Games held in Asaba, Delta State, describing the victory as “a defining moment for grassroots sports development in Nigeria.”
Hon. Adeboye joined Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the Lagos House, Ikeja, where the state hosted a grand reception to celebrate its triumphant contingent — the first in history to see Lagos State top the medal table at the National Youth Games.
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Team Lagos amassed a total of 110 medals — 52 gold, 32 silver, and 26 bronze — dethroning perennial champions Delta State and setting a new benchmark for excellence in youth sports.
In his remarks, SSA Adeboye lauded Governor Sanwo-Olu for his consistent investment in sports infrastructure and youth development, calling the Governor’s leadership “a model of what every state should emulate.”
“What we are witnessing here today is not just a victory for Lagos, but a victory for the Nigerian dream. Team Lagos has shown what’s possible when leadership meets vision — when you believe in the youth, invest in them, and give them a platform to shine,” Adeboye said.
He further described the triumph as proof that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is already translating into tangible success stories across the grassroots sports landscape.
“From Asaba to Lagos, the spirit of renewed hope is alive. These young athletes have written a new chapter in Nigerian sports history. They have inspired millions, and as a nation, we must now do more to nurture them into future Olympians and world champions.”
Adeboye also congratulated the Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, for his strategic leadership and technical coordination that delivered the historic feat.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, in his address, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating more opportunities for young athletes to combine sports and education, promising improved facilities and continuous incentives to sustain their growth.
The event’s highlight was the announcement of cash rewards for medalists, non-medalists, coaches, and officials — a gesture Adeboye praised as “motivational and visionary.”
“Rewarding excellence is how you build a winning culture. Lagos has done that today, and I assure you the Federal Government will continue to partner with progressive states like this to drive grassroots sports transformation across the nation,” the SSA concluded.
With the energy and ambition displayed by Team Lagos, Adeboye expressed confidence that many of these young athletes will soon represent Nigeria on international stages — turning today’s victory into tomorrow’s legacy.
