Lagos, Nigeria-November 4, 2024. Hon. Adebanji Atewogboye (Skibanji), the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Grassroots Sports has been honoured with the prestigious Somolu Newspaper Leadership Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the development of grassroots sports in Lagos State.
The award highlights Atewogboye’s tireless work in empowering young athletes and promoting sports as a key pillar of community development.
Atewogboye, who has become a prominent figure in Lagos’ sports development scene, was lauded for his visionary leadership and commitment to fostering youth talent across the state. His efforts to create inclusive and accessible sporting opportunities for young people, particularly in underserved communities, have been central to his work as SSA on Grassroots Sports.
During the award presentation, the Publisher of Somolu Newspaper, Mr. Sheriff Owolabi Bada, praised Atewogboye’s exceptional leadership in promoting the ideals of sportsmanship, teamwork, and discipline among Lagos youths.
“Hon. Adebanji Atewogboye’s work has been transformational. Through his initiatives, he has not only enhanced the sporting culture in Lagos but has also empowered countless young people to dream big and reach their full potential,” Bada said.
In his acceptance speech, Atewogboye expressed his gratitude for the recognition and dedicated the award to the young athletes and coaches across Lagos, whose dedication and hard work are at the heart of his mission. “This award is a testament to the hard work and perseverance of the many individuals who work tirelessly every day to uplift grassroots sports in Lagos,” Atewogboye stated.
“It is an honor to serve our youth and to help provide them with the opportunities they deserve to succeed.”
Under Atewogboye’s leadership, Lagos State has seen a notable increase in grassroots sports programmes, which have not only provided youth with physical activities but have also served as vital outlets for personal development and social inclusion. One of Atewogboye’s key initiatives has been to ensure that sports facilities are available and accessible to local communities, enabling young people to participate in various sporting activities irrespective of their socio-economic backgrounds.
Additionally, Atewogboye has worked closely with schools, local sports clubs, and community organizations to create talent identification programmes, aimed at discovering and nurturing future sports stars. His advocacy for greater investment in sports infrastructure and training for coaches has also played a critical role in improving the quality of sports education in the state.
He has long championed the idea that sports are an effective tool for community building. He has emphasized the role of sports in fostering social cohesion, encouraging youth to work together and compete in a spirit of unity, regardless of background or ethnicity. This message resonated strongly during the award ceremony, where speakers highlighted how grassroots sports have helped bridge divides in some of Lagos’ most diverse and underserved areas.
“Through sports, we are not just creating athletes, we are shaping leaders and responsible citizens,” Atewogboye remarked. “When we come together through sport, we forget our differences and focus on our shared goals. This is the power of grassroots sports.”