By Kayode Olopade
The Lagos State Government has agreed to work on plan with the State’s Netball Association to popularized Netball game in the state in fulfilling and maintaining equal commitment to the development of all sports across Lagos State.
This was made known by Mr. Lekan Fatodu, the Director General, Lagos State Sport Commission during an official visit by the State’s Netball Association to intimate the Commission on the forthcoming Netball clinic planned for secondary school students by the association
The clinic would be mentored by Nigerian internationally established Netball players
Mr. Fatodu assured the association of the State Government commitment, saying all sports in the State enjoy equal priority. He said, ‘’every sport is very important to us. That is why we are consistently giving the same visibility that football will organically attract to every other sport’’.
While commending the initiative of the association, Mr., Fatodu said that bringing international stars for such event gives a message of hope and inspiration to the young lads, that through sports, they could also be a person of great importance in the society.
He said, “You are not juggling sports when we have our superstars who have dominated the international scene to come into our space. It's a strong message of hope to our population who are still doubtful about their skills and ability. And to a society who is actually consistently looking for role models.
“So we can use those to say that through sports, this is what these individuals have become. And this is what the true identity of our country is, of our State is. So many messaging can come out on the back of that.”
He assured the association of the State support in all ramification for the success of the programme, saying, “You have done your bit, we will do our bit. And we can assure you that we will do our bit to your admiration and your surprise. We're going to run this race together.’’
Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the Association, Ms. Yewande Cole said that the association was determined to ensure high visibility for the game from grassroot at the same time, encourage women participation.
The association according to her is poised to organizing a local clinic and exhibition match among secondary school children in the state that would have Nigeria’s international stars in Netball game in attendance to train and inspire the children in the game. This she said, would mean home coming for the stars to impact and give back to the society.
Ms. Cole while requesting the Commission to help facilitate availability of school pupils for the event also implored inclusion of Netball in the forthcoming Intermediate Games to be hosted by the State later in the year in popularizing the game.
The mentoring and exhibition match which has gotten the support of Alaro City and Nike has been scheduled to take place on 23rd -30th August, 2026. The two Nigerian stars to mentor the children are Grace Nweke playing in New Zealand for Silver Ferns and Funmi Fadoju playing in England for Vitality.
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