Director-General, Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), Lekan Fatodu has announced the engagement of 60 new coaches across various sports disciplines to bolster the development of sports talents in the state.
Speaking recently at the official engagement ceremony of the new sports tutors at the Lagos State Sports Commission Complex in Surulere, Fatodu said the move underscores the commitment of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to nurturing athletic talent and promoting sporting excellence in the state.
He said, “The newly appointed coaches, selected based on their extensive experience and successful track records, are expected to play a pivotal role in enhancing athlete performance, identifying and nurturing emerging talents, and promoting a culture of excellence within Lagos State’s sporting community”.
Emphasising the importance of the recruitment, the DG stressed that the Commission is delighted to welcome the new coaches who will bring a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to sports in Lagos State. “Their expertise will be instrumental in achieving our goals of elevating athlete performance and expanding our grassroots sports initiatives, ” he said.
He further pointed out that the coaches will be assessed based on comprehensive metrics, including competition success rates, athlete performance improvement, talent identification and recruitment, athlete participation and retention, grassroots programme development, and professional development.
“We believe in rewarding excellence and creating an environment that supports continuous growth and innovation. In addition to their salaries, our best-performing coaches will receive the Director-General’s Tournament Excellence Bonus”, Fatodu added.
Affirming that the government is desirous of establishing a top-notch structure for sports development, Fatodu explained that by incentivising excellence, the Commission aims to promote a culture of continuous improvement and sustained success, contributing to the overall success of Lagos State in national and international competitions.
While noting that the Lagos State Sports Commission is committed to providing its coaches with ongoing training and development opportunities towards creating a robust sports ecosystem that not only identifies and nurtures talent, Fatodu disclosed that the Commission is dedicated to retaining and developing identified talent to reach their full potential and compete at the highest levels.
“This includes organising workshops, seminars, and access to cutting-edge sports science and coaching methodologies. These initiatives are part of the Commission’s strategy to ensure that Lagos State remains at the forefront of sports innovation and excellence in Nigeria”, he stated.
The engagement of these 60 new coaches is part of a broader strategy by the Lagos State Sports Commission to enhance the quality and reach of its sports programmes. With dedicated coaches, performance-based evaluations, and recognition programs, the LSSC is poised to empower athletes, elevate sporting standards, and solidify Lagos’ position as a leading force in Nigerian and African sports.