The Lagos State Government, in partnership with technology company TECNO, has unveiled the Sanwo-Olu Mini Stadium, an eight-a-side astroturf football pitch located at Sura under bridge, Lagos Island, as part of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to youth engagement and sports development.
The initiative, which underscores a growing public–private collaboration in grassroots sports development, is aimed at providing accessible, modern sporting infrastructure for young people within the community. The project forms part of efforts to transform underutilised urban spaces into functional training and recreational centres for talent discovery and development.
Speaking at the unveiling, the Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, expressed appreciation to the firm for its corporate social responsibility initiative, describing the facility as a significant boost to youth empowerment and community development.
“The facilities aims to nuture talent for national and international opportunities and infrastructure play a significant roles in achieving this. We appreciate Tecno’s efforts in putting this together and commit to maintaining the facilities alongside the community.”
Fatodu further commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for prioritising sports development, revealing that the administration is constructing eight mini stadia across Lagos State to bring sporting facilities closer to local communities. He also encouraged corporate organisations to support the development of multi-sport facilities, stressing that Lagos is home to diverse sporting interests beyond football and that athletes across disciplines deserve access to suitable infrastructure.
Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, hailed the initiative as a practical means of engaging youths and sports enthusiasts in productive activities.
“We want to take our youth off the street and this is another way we are able to demonstrate this as a government under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for given us this opportunity to once again give our youths an opportunity to compete on a global scale.
“The government can not do it alone. We must continue to form collaboration and this is one of the outcomes of such collaborations we are clamouring for,” Ogunlende said.
In his remarks, TECNO’s Marketing Manager, Olumide Yomi-Omolayo, said the company’s involvement was driven by a long-term vision for African football development.
“We are not only supporting present African footballers; we are supporting the future of African football. That is why we are creating facilities like this on the Island,” he said.
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