The Lagos State Sports Trust Fund (LSSTF) on Thursday distributed sports equipment to 1,020 public primary schools across the state to strengthen grassroots sports development.

The event took place at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja, with education and sports stakeholders in attendance.

The Executive Secretary, LSSTF, Wahid Oshodi, said the initiative targeted equal sporting opportunities for children.

Mr Oshodi explained that the programme was executed in partnership with the Ministry of Education and the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board.

He described sports as an important instrument for education, discipline, healthy living and youth development across communities in the state.

According to him, the distribution will help children discover talents early while strengthening pathways for future athletes from Lagos State.

He said, “We believe that while talent is equally distributed, opportunity is not. By equipping schools, we are building stronger pathways for future sporting stars.”

Mr Oshodi stated that the collaboration with SUBEB and the Ministry of Education would guarantee proper monitoring and maintenance of the equipment.

He stated, “What we have done is partnership with the Ministry of Education and SUBEB to ensure proper monitoring after distributing the equipment.

 “There will be occasional and surprise checks because the equipment is meant strictly for the development of the children.”

He noted that newly recruited coaches were undergoing training across Lagos State to maximise the impact of the sports materials in schools.

According to him, the state’s recent achievements at the National Youth Games reflected growing progress in grassroots sports development initiatives.

“I think we are on the right track, but there is still much more work to be done,” Mr Oshodi stated.

The LSSTF executive secretary stressed the need for stronger private sector participation in sports development projects and athlete support programmes.

He noted that public-private collaboration remained one of the most sustainable approaches to developing sports infrastructure and nurturing young athletes.

Mr Oshodi stated that the state planned a private fundraising event within the next four to six weeks to attract additional support for sports development.

He also spoke on the rehabilitation of Rowe Park Sports Centre, describing the facility as historically significant to Nigerian sports development.

“The governor has approved that we return to complete the work there. We are hopeful that before the end of the year, the facility will be restored and back in proper shape,” he said.

 A member of the Board of Trustees, Gbolahan Onibuje, said young people remained central to national development efforts.

“The youth are the foundation of everything we do. We must equip them properly because they are the future,” Mr Onibuje stated.

He noted that equal access to quality sports equipment would help young athletes improve performance and achieve their sporting potential.

The permanent member of the Board of Trustees, Babatunde Adewale, described the initiative as an annual programme.

Mr Adewale said the programme was designed to encourage sports participation among children while supporting their academic and mental development.

He stated, “This is a very good initiative because sports is part of education. When we promote sports, we promote learning and development among children.

 “If children engage actively in sports, it also helps to improve their mental development and overall well-being.”

(NAN)