Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sports development, emphasising its importance for youth engagement and national development.
Sanwo-Olu, who spoke through the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, made this known while receiving the Secretary-General of the International Fencing Federation (FIE), Mrs. Gulnora Saidova, on a courtesy visit at the Deputy Governor’s official residence in Ikoyi.
The governor highlighted the vital role of sports in promoting human health and contributing to the holistic development of both young people and the nation.
Governor Sanwo-Olu stressed that sports remained activities to be embraced by people of all ages, assuring that the state government was committed to supporting the introduction and growth of fencing as a sport in schools across the state.
This was just as he noted that Africa, particularly Nigeria, was making significant strides in the development of fencing, reflecting the continent’s growing interest and potential in the sport.
Besides, he pointed out that fencing, often regarded as a game for the elite, deserves recognition and participation by all and support as other sports.
“So I think if we do that, we make sure that the trajectory is going well. But we are here to support it. We believe that sport is something all our young people should be engaged in. As it used to be when we were in secondary school, you could not do without engaging in a sporting activity,” he said.
Secretary-General of the International Fencing Federation (FIE), Mrs. Gulnora Saidova, earlier in her remarks, requested the support of the state government to formally promote fencing as a priority sport in Nigeria, particularly Lagos, emphasising that it would contribute to the overall development of the state and its youth.
“I see the great potential you have here and the talented athletes. Fencing is an Olympic sport, and it could be a tremendous opportunity for Nigeria to grow its presence in future Olympics. I kindly ask you to consider granting formal recognition of fencing as a priority sport in Lagos State,” she said.
Speaking further, Saidova appealed for the government’s support in hosting an international fencing competition in Nigeria, adding that the federation planned to involve Nigeria as a leader in the development of fencing in Africa, which would offer significant potential for the nation’s economy and boost sustainability.
Also speaking, President, Nigeria Fencing Federation, Mr. Adeyinka Samuel, described fencing as a combat sport centred on sword fighting, emphasising that it develops participants both mentally and physically.
Samuel noted that through fencing, many athletes had had the opportunity to travel around the world to compete, winning gold, silver, and bronze medals for their countries and teams.
He, however, disclosed that an ongoing competition in Nigeria, the African Fencing Championship, was currently attracting participants from across the globe.
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