The Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) has reiterated the importance of school sports as the foundation for sustainable sports development, calling for stronger collaboration with the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education to enhance opportunities for young athletes.
The Director-General of LSSC, Lekan Fatodu, emphasised the role of school sports in talent identification and development.
He stated that a well-managed and coordinated school environment serves as the ideal platform for nurturing future sports stars.
“There is no better incubation ground, sports identification, and recognition platform than a well-managed and coordinated school environment. We understand the importance of these extracurricular activities in shaping students’ future and making them well-rounded individuals,” Fatodu said.
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During a courtesy visit to the Honourable Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Ali-Balogun, at the Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, Fatodu stressed the need for synergy between the LSSC and the Ministry to facilitate knowledge-sharing and unlock more opportunities for student-athletes.
He highlighted that sports and education can progress hand in hand, allowing students to acquire relevant skills while pursuing their academic goals.
He further noted that leveraging key elements within the sports ecosystem would create pathways for young talents to excel in both academics and athletics.
Fatodu underscored the importance of restoring the glory days of school sports, describing it as a strategic intervention that would not only develop future sports champions but also provide students with diverse career prospects.
In response, Commissioner Jamiu Ali-Balogun acknowledged the potential of sports as a viable career option for students.
Ali-Balogun emphasised that collaboration between the Ministry and the Sports Commission is crucial for accelerating sustainable development through co-curricular activities.
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“Sports provide students with better opportunities for future success, and to effectively nurture talent in schools, there must be a strong partnership between our Ministry and the Lagos State Sports Commission,” Ali-Balogun stated.
