Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has commended the Daniel Ford Elite Table Tennis Tournament for its pivotal role in nurturing young sporting talents across Nigeria, just as he applauded the leadership of the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC).
Speaking at the commencement of a Table Tennis tournament sponsored by Daniel Ford International, a UK-based property firm, held at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Sanwo-Olu described grassroots initiatives as the bedrock of sporting excellence that has propelled Lagos to unprecedented heights in national and international competitions.
Lauding Lagos’ expanding sporting excellence profile, the Governor attributed the state’s historic triumph at the 9th National Youth Games held earlier this year to deliberate policy direction, consistent funding, and partnerships that prioritise talent discovery and structured athlete development at the community level.
In his words, “Lagos won the National Youth Games for the first time this year, which is clear proof of Lagos State’s investment and support for grassroots initiatives like Daniel Ford. I trust that Lagos will top again at the next Youth Games because of the pragmatic and excellent leadership at the Lagos State Sports Commission”.
Sanwo-Olu also expressed his appreciation to the Director-General of the LSSC, Mr. Lekan Fatodu and his team “for their great work.”
Now in its third year, the tournament has become a cornerstone of talent identification and development in Nigerian table tennis.
Sponsored by Daniel Ford International, a UK-based property firm, the tournament has expanded this year to include a new Under-12 category alongside the existing Under-15 and Under-19 divisions, broadening opportunities for younger athletes to showcase their potential.