Ogunlende evaluates new sports hubs, hints at creative and sporting village for Badagry

On Tuesday, Lagos State advanced its initiative to unlock youth potential as the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Hon Mobolaji Ogunlende RAK, conducted an on-site review of two key grassroots sports facilities, hinting at a larger project in the Badagry region.

The inspection included the recently finished Sanwo Olu Mini Stadium at Sura on Lagos Island and the Alade Pitch in Alimosho. These projects are being developed through a public-private partnership with technology company TECNO and are managed by SBI Media. Officials state that these facilities aim to function as modern sports hubs that will promote early talent discovery and youth involvement through 2026 and beyond.

While on the astroturf pitch under the Sura bridge, Ogunlende emphasized that these projects offer more than just recreational areas; they reflect a strategic effort by the state government to guide young people away from unproductive activities and into beneficial pathways through sports and the creative economy.

The commissioner indicated that under Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu’s leadership, the state aims to transform neglected urban areas into vibrant centers where young individuals can train, compete, and aspire for greater achievements. He asserted that with adequate facilities and support, many youths in Lagos could rise to become international stars in football, athletics, music, and film.

The hubs include professional eight-a-side astroturf pitches, contemporary lighting for night training, and biometric data collection points. These features will enable the Lagos State Sports Commission to identify and track promising talent from the grassroots and connect them with structured development opportunities.

A key moment during the visit was when Ogunlende revealed that the Sura and Alade facilities are initial projects for a more extensive plan. He confirmed the development of a Creative and Sporting Village for the Badagry Division, which is currently in the procurement phase for the 2026 budget cycle. He noted that Badagry is essential to Lagos’s cultural heritage, and the planned facility will serve as a multipurpose hub for sports, film, music, and digital creativity. Although the exact location was not disclosed, he assured residents that the project would prioritize reflecting the area’s cultural and creative strengths.

Also present was Lekan Fatodu, Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, who explained that the state is implementing clear performance standards for coaches and program managers at the hubs. The aim is to ensure that identified talents from the grassroots receive appropriate mentorship and guidance leading to national teams, professional clubs, and creative fields.

Fatodu added that the state’s recent investment of 8.4 billion naira in youth and the creative economy provides the necessary resources to maintain these facilities and run exceptional programs that yield tangible results rather than just symbolic initiatives.

Youth reactions at the Sura facility were overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing enthusiasm about having access to a proper pitch in what was previously a makeshift playing area. A nineteen-year-old striker named Segun remarked that the new facility has transformed young players’ outlook on their futures, pointing out that a sandy space under a bridge has now become a professional setting.

For Badagry residents, the commissioner’s comments have sparked fresh optimism. The envisioned Creative and Sporting Village is considered a potential breakthrough for youth development, tourism, and cultural expression in the division.

As Lagos continues to invest in youth-focused infrastructure, Tuesday’s inspection clearly signals the state’s commitment to establishing sustainable platforms for discovering, nurturing, and showcasing talent on national and international stages.