A delegation of officials from Lagos State University (LASU) and the University of Lagos (UNILAG) paid a courtesy visit to His Excellency, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, at the Lagos State House in Marina. The purpose of the visit was to apprise the governor of the ongoing preparations for the upcoming All African University Games.
The delegation, 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, informed Governor Sanwo-Olu that the 11th FASU games would take place 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. In her address, 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. The governor’s previous donation of a rubber track to the University of Lagos for the 26th NUGA Games in 2022 was acknowledged with deep appreciation.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, in his 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.
“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 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.