Lagos sports officials and students praise distribution of sports equipment to 1,020 primary schools

Sports officials, education stakeholders and learners across Lagos State have commended the Lagos State Sports Trust Fund (LSSTF) for distributing sports equipment to 1,020 public primary schools as part of efforts to strengthen grassroots sports development.

Beneficiaries described the initiative as a great boost for sports education, talent discovery and the physical development of schoolchildren.

At the official launch held on Thursday, May 21 at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium in Alausa, the Chairman of the Lagos State Sports Trust Fund, Wahid Oshodi, said the initiative reflects the state government’s commitment to youth development and the growth of sports at the grassroots level.

According to Oshodi, the donation demonstrates the government’s determination to invest in the future of children through sports and education.

“Sport is more than recreation, it is a tool for education, discipline, health and social cohesion, it teaches values ​​of teamwork, resilience and leadership that align with the TEMAS+ Agenda of the current administration, particularly in the areas of Education, Health and youth participation,” he stated.

Oshodi recalled that before the establishment of the LSSTF, many public schools lacked the necessary facilities to introduce students to sports such as football, athletics, basketball, volleyball, table tennis, chess and other games.

He noted that the intervention was designed to close that gap and give students the opportunity to develop their sporting talents from an early stage.

During the event, the Director of Sports of Apapa Local Government Education Authority (LGEA), Lawal Rasheed Abayomi, commended the Lagos State Sports Trust Fund for transforming sports training in schools.

“The Lagos State Sports Trust Fund has really helped our students a lot. Gone are the days when we found it difficult to use equipment in schools. We trained them abstractly and without facilities,” he said.

Abayomi explained that the equipment has allowed schools to expose pupils to different sports, including football, table tennis and board games, adding that the impact was evident during the recent internal sports competitions.

“With these facilities, students can now express their potential. They have been doing wonderfully well and we know we are achieving that,” he added.

He further explained that schools have implemented measures to ensure proper management and maintenance of equipment.

“Most schools have sports officials, desk officials and principals who supervise the equipment. After use, it is properly preserved to avoid loss or damage,” he said.

Abayomi also called for greater private sector support for school sports, noting that some companies in Apapa already provide financial assistance during sports events and competitions.

Similarly, the Director of Sports, Ikeja Local Government Education Authority, Ilori Isaac Aduralere, described the distribution as a welcome development that would encourage greater participation in sports among pupils.

“It is a fantastic development. We received the first phase of the equipment and made sure that the students made proper use of it. We are happy to witness the second phase,” he said.

Isaac urged private organizations to complement government efforts by supporting school sports programs and providing additional sports facilities.

The sports director of the LGEA of Kosovo, Johnson Oluwatoyin, also stated that the first phase of material distribution had already produced positive results in schools.

“The kids really loved them. Some of the games were completely new to them, but now they know how to play them and enjoy them,” he said.

Oluwatoyin highlighted that introducing sports at a grassroots level would help develop future champions.

“Lagos State has done the right thing by catching them young. As they grow up, sports will become a part of them and they can become the next Victor Osimhen or Asisat Oshoala,” he said.

Students who benefited from the initiative also expressed their enthusiasm for the opportunities created by the sports equipment.

Wisdom Megbodofo, prefect of sports at Ladi-Lak Primary School, said the team will improve training and performance during competitions.

“I am an athlete and I represent my school in many competitions where I have won medals. I believe these teams will improve our performance in field events,” he said.

The student added that he balances sports and academics by effectively managing his time.

A nine-year-old pupil from Expressway Nursery and Primary School, identified simply as Young, also spoke and said football was still his favorite sport.

“The sport that I like and enjoy is soccer. It will help me be intelligent in the future,” he said.

Permanent Member, Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB), Hon. Babatunde Jimoh, described the initiative as a strategic investment in the future of children.

“It is a great opportunity for us and a very good one for our students. The LSSTF has always supported us annually to equip the children and prepare them for the future,” he said.

Jimoh emphasized that education should not focus solely on academics, noting that sports also play an important role in physical and mental development.

“It’s not just educational learning that makes children successful. Sports are also important, especially considering what is happening globally,” he added.

He assured that schools will continue to maintain and properly use equipment provided by government agencies and development partners, including the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).

The distribution of sports equipment is part of Lagos State’s broader strategy to strengthen grassroots sports development, encourage healthy living and discover young talents in public primary schools in the state.