SWAN @ 50, Ambode Confirms Nov. 26 Date With Lagos SWAN

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has expressed solidarity with Lagos chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, indicating his pleasure ahead his formal investiture as Grand Patron of the association as has been designed to mark the 50th anniversary of the foundation of the body.

Chairman of Lagos SWAN, Fred Edoreh, revealed in a statement that the office of the governor has sent words to confirm the date of the event which shall also feature an honours ceremony for members who have distinguished themselves in the profession and other industries as well in service to sports development, society and humanity.

“I can tell you that we have got words from the office of our governor on the event. His Excellency has confirmed Thursday, November 26 for the investiture and the honours ceremony for our stars and legends. The occasion will also afford us an opportunity to appreciate the patrons, friends and supporters of Lagos SWAN – individuals, institutions and corporate organisations – who have aided us these years to grow. It will be great for us to celebrate the golden jubilee of our association in such a special way.

Akinwunmi Ambode Governor Lagos State photo credit: Akinwunmiambode.com

“It is a red carpet day for sports writing. It is a celebration of excellence and inspiration, a day for all of us in Lagos SWAN to recommit to the profession in pursuit of excellence while also strengthening our partnership with our government and all stakeholders in sports to achieve the vision of using sports as a platform for youth, social and economic development.”

Gov Ambode Appoints Anthony Adeyinka Adeboye As Senior Special Adviser On Sports

The Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode as Appointed Mr Anthony Adeyinka Adeboye as the Senior Special Assistant On Sports to the Governor Of Lagos state.

Adeboye who until recently was the Special Assistant to the former Governor of the state on football matters as been appointed by Governor Ambode as part of the new plans by the governor to reposition the state when it comes to sports.

Speaking with the media over the weekend the SSA expressed his gratitude to the governor and promised to repay the trust placed in him by working extra hard to make sure makes his impact felt across the entire length and breath of the state.

Anthony Adeyinka Adeboye,

“Sports is a very important tool that can be used to empower and engage the youth of Lagos state and we will make sure we take Lagos to the next level considering the fact that the previous administration had achieved so much, but now intend to consolidate and then ensure that the “centre of excellence” regains her pride of place as the numero uno in Nigeria” he said.

Fashola receives Commonwealth Baton, gets IOC honour

Picture Caption: Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola (second left); Commonwealth Games Federation representative, Sharad Rao (left); President, Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Sani Ndanusa; Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Social Development, Wahid Oshodi (second right): Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth, Sports and Social Development, Biola Awonuga and NOC Vice President, Jonathan Nnaji when Fashola recieves the Commonwealth Baton in his office on Tuesday.

Fashola receives Commonwealth Baton, gets IOC honour

Lagos State was the last point of call for the Commonwealth Baton as Governor Babatunde Fashola received the delegation of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) on Tuesday as part of the baton tour of Nigeria.

Also, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) bestowed the highest honour on the governor as part of the 150 years anniversary of the modern Olympics.

According to the representative of (CGF), Sharad Rao, the baton tour across Commonwealth nations was lauched by the Queen of England in October 2013 with the final berthing in Scotland during the Commonwealth Games in July.

He described Nigeria as an important country in Commonwealth considering the performance of Nigeria at the games.

However, IOC plague to Fashola was presented by the President, Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Sani Ndanusa, who said among the four outstanding individuals honoured across the globe based on his support for sports both in terms of providing facilities and organizing tournaments.

The NOC boss said that Lagos State has been able to stage 10 international sports tournaments, which he admitted was of international standard.
He added all these qualified the governor to be considered for the honour. According to the Ndanusa, the choice of the governor was based on his immense support and contribution to sports development in the country.

“The IOC trophy is presented to an outstanding individual, who has contributed immensely to sports in a particular country. Four outstanding individuals are expected to get this award this year and Governor Fashola has been chosen as one of the recipients of the trophy, which also marked the 150 years of Modern Olympics. IOC also considered Fashola’s contribution particularly his involvement in sports as a former athlete in bestowing him the honour of the IOC Trophy.

In his response, Fashola, commended the CGF for its efforts to united the globe through the games, adding that efforts must be made by every nation to provide quality service to its citizenry.

He described the IOC award as a confirmation of the performance of the state Ministry of Youth, Sports and Social Development led by its commissioner, Wahid Oshodi and his team.