Lagos: SWAN commends governor over athletes’ welfare

The leadership of the Lagos State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria has commended the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, over his continued support for sports and quality leadership.

Lagos SWAN Executive Committee, under the leadership of Debo Oshundun, applauded the latest announcement which saw the official hand over of a 3-bedroom flat at the Babatunde Raji Fashola Housing Estate, Iponri, to the First Olympic Gold Medalist in Nigeria and in Africa, Chioma Ajunwa-Okpara (MON), in fulfilment of a 25-year-old pledge by the then Governor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola.

The gesture, according to the association, will not only encourage others to strive for greatness but is also a testimony of the labours of our heroes not being in vain.

“We wish to thank His Excellency for this noble gesture of honouring our heroes, and in the process, encouraging those coming behind.

"Recently, he handed Patrick Pascal a key to his apartment for his exploits at the Atlanta ‘96 Games.

"In a related development, a whooping sum of N20million was also doled out to six Lagos elite athletes that would be representing Nigeria at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics in Japan.

"The governor has demonstrated his belief in using sports as one of the tools for youth engagement and empowerment.

“It is also noted that Gov. Sanwo-Olu gave Lagos SWAN a brand new 18- seater to aid the association in discharging its duty.

“The state-contingent was also adjudged as the best-kitted team at the 2020 Edo National Sports Festival.

“The training grants given to these athletes will go a long way in preparing them for the challenges in Tokyo,” Oshundun said.