gives cash prizes to 21 winners

Gov. Sanwo-Olu’s quest is to empower next generation of stars in Lagos via grassroots sports – SKIBANJ

Skate professionals and enthusiasts in Lagos, yesterday, thronged the maiden edition of Skate Lagos 2024 Competition organized by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Lagos State on Grassroots Sports Development, Mr. Adebanji Atewogboye.

This high-energy event, which took place at 7/8 Airport Road, Oshodi-Isolo, Lagos, was in line with Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration T.H.E.M.E.S plus Agenda to promote youths development and talents discovery.

According to Mr. Atewogboye popularly known and called SKIBANJ, “The competition was not just about winning, it was also an opportunity for young skaters from grassroots to showcase their skills, network with other enthusiasts at national and international levels”

SKIBANJ emphasized that Gov. Sanwo-Olu’s quest for grassroots sports in Lagos is tailored towards next generation empowerment of stars from the local communities to compete with their counterparts in the world of sports.

The event also saw skaters across from the state battle it out on skating for cash prizes and honours while cheering audience were thrilled with refreshments and excitement. It was an historic and momentous sporting event.

Competing against over 200 talented skaters in the final female category of the event, Islamiyat Omolaoye emerged top contender with cash prize. Her words: “I’m so happy that the event, Skate Lagos 2024, is organized by Gov. Sanwo-Olu, because it gives skaters a platform to compete with others. It is not just training always but to get to know one’s ability, strength and exhibit innate skills”

One of the contenders, Daniel Omene, was also seen mesmerizing the audience with various skating spins and styles. He said: “Skaters in Lagos State have been waiting for the opportunity for a very long time and we thank Gov. Sanwo-Olu and the SSA, Hon. Atewogboye for giving skaters the privilege to showcase what they know best doing”

Other winners in different categories included; Isaac Isaac with tag no 142 (Skate Brothers Category), Remi Mineruini tag no 129, Emmanuel Akporoloko with tag no 019 (11-17yrs male category), Oyetade Segun with tag no149 (18yrs+ male category), Deborah Franklin with tag no 077 (11-17yrs female), Smart Olamide tagged 116 (5-7yrs male category) and Babatunde Esther with tag no 085 (5-7yrs female category).

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of Lagos Roller Sports Association (LRSA), Mr. Phillip Oyede who led some coaches to the event, including the Big Heart Skaters’ coach, Mr. Kingsley Nkisa, and Young Qualities International Skaters Club’s coach, Mr. Mike Awom, said the skating competition in Lagos has never had it in massive scene with cash prizes for skaters except under the present Gov. Sanwo-Olu’s administration.

He, however, urged the Lagos state government to consider the association as part of the Lagos State Sports Commission Association.

The Senior Special Assistant to the State Governor on Health, Hon. (Dr.) Oluwatoni Adeyemi acknowledged the significance of the initiative by SKIBANJ, adding that the competition would promote physical fitness and mental wellness on the athletes.

Her counterpart, Hon. Damilare Orimoloye, the Senior Special Assistant to the State Governor on Sports, gave a stern warning to some skaters who are fond of chasing moving vehicles along roads in Lagos to desist from the habits, assuring that Lagos State is bringing sanity and professionalism to the sport.

Notable personalities at the event included Hon GBOLAHAN Olaniwun SSA Agriculture, Hon Kappo Samuel Olawale SSA Student Union Affairs Tertiary, Hon Opeyemi SSA Youth Mobilization, Hon Lijirin Ruth SSA Civil Engagement, Hon Saheed Balogun SSA Political & Legislative, Hon Titilayo Oso SSA Public Works, Hon Segun Williams SSA Urban Development, Dr Oluwatoni ADEYEMI SSA Health, Hon Onaope Adu SSA Sports Marketing & Administration, Hon Hauwa Adeeyo SSA Commerce & Industry, Hon Adeola Adewunmi SSA Tertiary Education, Hon. Dipo Daramola, Hon Wale Adeyemo, including Hon. Saheed Lawin (Member Governing Board Lagos State Sports Commission), Hon. Biola Lawal (Chairman of Chairmen Lagos state sports Associations), Dr. Gbeleyi Olasunkanmi and an Italian David Minervini.

Others were members of Lagos State Sports Commission and members of Governing Board, Lagos State Sports Association, House of Representative, Oshodi-Isolo Constuency 1, Hon. Dawodu Bashir represented by his team led by Mrs. Toyin Adewole, APC chairman, Oshodi-Isolo Chapter, Hon. Saheed Animashaun and other dignitaries in APC across Lagos State

E-sign

Idowu Olaide (anipr),

Office of the Senior Special Assistant to Governor on Grassroots Sports Development, Lagos

27.05.2024