Delegates comprising officials from Lagos State University (LASU) and the University of Lagos (UNILAG) recently paid a courtesy visit to His Excellency, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, at the Lagos State House in Marina. (Govima Sport Reports)
The purpose of the visit was to brief the governor on the ongoing preparations for the upcoming All African University Games.
Led by Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, the Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University, and representing the University of Lagos, Professor Ayo Atsenuwa, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, the delegation informed Governor Sanwo-Olu that the 11th FASU games would be hosted in Lagos from September 20th to 29th, 2024.
This edition of the games holds historical significance as it marks the first-ever joint hosting by two universities.
Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello highlighted the reasons for choosing Lagos, emphasizing the state’s excellence in hosting, safety, tourist attractions, and economic strength.
Expressing gratitude, Prof. Atsenuwa commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for his continuous support for universities and sports development, acknowledging the governor’s previous donation of a rubber track to the University of Lagos for the 26th NUGA Games in 2022.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, in response, expressed Lagos State’s enthusiasm for hosting the games, recognizing the unifying and developmental role of sports.
He pledged the state government’s support and urged the organizing team to seek private sector collaboration to elevate the event, promoting Lagos and Nigeria to the rest of Africa.
“The Nigerian flag is the one you are flying, so all the invited universities from across Africa will see the best of Nigeria. It will be a joy if we can host the best FASU games ever, setting a high standard for future editions,” the governor stated.
The local organizing committees for the games have been established, and various subcommittees have commenced activities to ensure the success of the event.
These subcommittees cover technical aspects, facilities, feeding, ICT and accreditation, accommodation, security, ceremonies and protocol, medical services, media and publicity, marketing and fundraising, transport, and volunteer coordination.
Other committees include Culture and Tourism, Anti-Doping, Immigration and External Relations, Environmental, Education, and Scientific Forum, and Commercial Revenue Generation.
The last time Nigeria hosted the FASU games was in 2004 at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) in Bauchi.
Lagos is poised to welcome over three thousand athletes and officials, showcasing the state’s commitment to excellence in university sports.
