Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has endorsed a partnership with NBA Nigeria to advance basketball development across the state. This move aims to create opportunities for young athletes and position Lagos as a sports excellence hub.
During a courtesy visit at Lagos House in Marina, Sanwo-Olu met with NBA Nigeria leaders, including NBA Africa Investor Tunde Folawiyo. The governor highlighted how NBA Nigeria’s focus on youth pathways aligns with his administration’s goals for empowerment, social growth, and economic progress through sports.
Sanwo-Olu pledged to collaborate with NBA Nigeria, stakeholders, and investors to nurture talent and unlock potential among young people. He revealed that the state is constructing 10 mini stadia, each equipped with basketball courts to support grassroots development.
“For us as a government, we are meant to encourage the private sector and be a strong enabler,” Sanwo-Olu said. “We are also meant to help develop the interest of our young ones in basketball, and that is why we are investing in different sporting activities.”
He added, “Whatever is expected of us in terms of infrastructure and grassroots development that we need to do, we will work with you. We will identify programs and ensure that in almost all our sporting facilities, we develop basketball courts.”
The governor commended Folawiyo and the NBA team for their dedication, noting their efforts in the African Basketball League over the past five years.
Folawiyo praised Sanwo-Olu’s achievements in infrastructure and sports. He outlined NBA Africa’s commitment to grassroots growth and expressed eagerness to partner beyond basketball, including attracting investments, improving facilities, and training coaches and technical staff.
This partnership signals a new era for basketball in Lagos, blending government support with private expertise to inspire the next generation of athletes.
