Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, on Saturday, urged youths to take advantage of the abundant opportunities available in sports.

He assured them of the government’s support in helping them achieve their aspirations.

Mr Hamzat gave the charge in an interview with journalists on the sidelines of the 11th Access Bank Lagos City Marathon held in Lagos.

He said the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu was committed to developing athletes from the grassroots rather than recruiting ready-made talents.

“In Lagos State, we have made a decision to train our athletes from the grassroots and develop them. The idea of shopping for athletes will not come into play.

“We are not just interfering in the affairs of our youths, but we want to see them succeed. When we organise competitions, we are raising children for the future.

“Getting actively involved in sports is how we believe we can elevate our youths in the country. We are not shoving athletes around.

“We are not shopping for athletes; we are developing them. The essence for us is to ensure that we have a crop of young talents who are capable in different types of sports,” he said.

Mr Hamzat added that the state government was focused on long-term investment in youth development through sports.

“We want to train our youths well, build them up and elevate them for the future. That is the essence for Lagos.

“We may not see the effect this year or next year, but in five or six years, we will begin to see the dividends.

“We are building from the grassroots and getting everyone involved. The ambition is to train and develop youths for Nigerian sports and the international community,” he said.

The deputy governor urged youths to take responsibility for their personal development.

According to him, government will continue to play its supportive role,while young people must remain proactive in shaping their own future.

“My message to the youths is clear: get involved. We cannot be a nation where the only thing we do is complain. We must remain hopeful.

“Identify your best opportunities and get involved. Many people are already active in athletics and other sports, as well as in technology, agri-tech, fintech and health-tech.

“The bottom line is that there are various opportunities provided by Lagos State. Our youths should identify what suits them, plug in and get involved.

“Our contacts are available online. Reach out to us so that whatever you think you can do well, get involved, and Lagos State will support you,” he said.

Kenyan runner, Ezra Kering, emerged winner of the 11th Access Bank Lagos City Marathon with a time of 2:11:55, claiming the 50,000 dollars prize money.

Uganda’s Lomoi Samuel clocked 2:11:59 to finish second, while his compatriot, Namutala Lumbasi, placed third in 2:12:25 in the men’s category, earning 40,000 dollars and 30,000 dollars respectively.

In the women’s category, Ethiopia’s Dinke Meleka breasted the tape in 2:37:36 to emerge champion.

Kenya’s Cheyech Daniel finished second in 2:37:43, while another Ethiopian, Zewdalem Getaw, came third in 2:38:59.

Boyi Solomon Nyango was the first Nigerian male athlete to cross the finish line, while veteran runner Deborah Pam won the Nigerian female category. 

(NAN)