Sports officers, education stakeholders, and pupils across Lagos State have commended the Lagos State Sports Trust Fund (LSSTF) for distributing sporting equipment to 1,020 public primary schools as part of efforts to strengthen grassroots sports development.
The beneficiaries described the initiative as a major boost for sports education, talent discovery, and physical development among school children.
At the official presentation held on Thursday, May 21, at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium in Alausa, Chairman of the Lagos State Sports Trust Fund, Wahid Oshodi, said the initiative reflects the state government’s commitment to youth development and sports growth 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.
“Sports is more than recreation; it is a tool for education, discipline, health, and social cohesion. It teaches teamwork, resilience, and leadership values that align with the THEMES+ Agenda of the present administration, particularly in the areas of Education, Health, and Youth engagement,” he said.
Oshodi recalled that before the establishment of the LSSTF, many public schools lacked the necessary facilities to introduce pupils to sports such as football, athletics, basketball, volleyball, table tennis, chess, and other games.
He noted that the intervention was designed to bridge that gap and provide pupils with the opportunity to develop their sporting talents from an early stage.
Speaking during the event, the Sports Officer of Apapa Local Government Education Authority (LGEA), Lawal Rasheed Abayomi, praised the Lagos State Sports Trust Fund for transforming sports training in schools.
“The Lagos State Sport Trust Fund has really helped our pupils in a long way. 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 enabled schools to expose pupils to different sports, including football, table tennis, and board games, adding that the impact was evident during recent inter-house sports competitions.
“With these facilities, pupils are now able to express their potential. They have been doing wonderfully well, and we know we are getting there,” he added.
He further explained that schools have put measures in place to ensure proper management and maintenance of the equipment.
“Most schools have sports officers, desk officers, and head teachers who supervise the equipment. After use, they are properly kept to prevent loss or damage,” he stated.
Abayomi also called for increased private sector support for school sports, noting that some companies in Apapa already provide financial assistance during sporting events and competitions.
Similarly, the Sports Director of 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 ensured pupils made proper use of them. We are happy to witness the second phase,” he said.
Isaac urged private organizations to complement government efforts by supporting school sports programmes and providing additional sporting facilities.
Also speaking, the Sports Director of Kosofe LGEA, Johnson Oluwatoyin, said the first phase of the equipment distribution had already produced positive results in schools.
“The children really loved them. Some of the games were completely new to them, but now they know how to play and enjoy them,” he said.
Oluwatoyin stressed that introducing sports at the grassroots level would help nurture future champions.
“Lagos State has done the right thing by catching them young. As they grow, sports will become part of them, and they can become the next Victor Osimhen or Asisat Oshoala,” he stated.
Pupils who benefited from the initiative also expressed excitement over the opportunities created by the sporting equipment.
A sports prefect of Ladi-Lak Primary School, Wisdom Megbodofo, said the equipment would 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 equipment will improve our performance in field events,” he said.
The pupil added that he balances sports and academics by effectively managing his time.
Also speaking, a nine-year-old pupil of Expressway Nursery and Primary School identified simply as Young said football remained his favourite sport.
“The sport I like and enjoy is football. It is going to help me become smart in the future,” he said.
Permanent Board Member of the 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 very good for our pupils. The LSSTF has always supported us yearly to equip children and prepare them for the future,” he said.
Jimoh emphasized that education should not focus solely on academics, noting that sports also play a major role in physical and mental development.
“It is not only educational learning that makes children successful. Sports is also important, especially considering what is happening globally,” he added.
He assured that schools would continue to sustain and properly utilize the equipment provided by government agencies and development partners, including the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).
The distribution of sporting equipment is part of Lagos State’s broader strategy to strengthen grassroots sports development, encourage healthy living, and discover young talents across public primary schools in the state.