Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, says the government is ready to give the Lagos State University and the University of Lagos maximum support, to ensure the success of the upcoming All African University Games, which will be co-hosted by the two institutions from September 20 to 29, The PUNCH reports.
Sanwo-Olu made the pledge during a courtesy visit to his office by a delegation of officials from both universities.
The Vice-Chancellor of LASU, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, said the institutions would build on the state’s excellence in hosting, safety, tourist attractions, and economic strength.
Her UNILAG counterpart, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ayo Atsenuwa, also thanked the Governor for his continuous support for universities and sports development.
This edition of the games holds historical significance as it marks the first-ever joint hosting by two universities and Sanwo-Olu expressed Lagos State’s enthusiasm in welcoming the rest of Africa to the country.
“It is the Nigerian flag that you are flying, so all the invited universities from across Africa will see the best of Nigeria. It will be a thing of joy if we can host the best FASU Games ever, setting a high standard for future editions,” the Governor said.
He also urged the institutions to seek private sector collaboration to elevate the event, promoting Lagos and Nigeria to the rest of Africa.
The last time Nigeria hosted the FASU Games was in 2004 at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University in Bauchi.
The 13th edition in Lagos is expected to welcome over three thousand athletes and officials. The local organising committees for the Games have been established, and various sub-committees have commenced work to ensure the success of the event.
