Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has endorsed a partnership with NBA Nigeria aimed at developing basketball and strengthening grassroots sports in the state.
The governor received a delegation from the Nigerian arm of the National Basketball Association at Lagos House, Marina, where discussions centred on strategic plans to grow the sport. Among the delegation was former Nigerian American player and current ESPN basketball analyst Chiney Ogwumike.
Sanwo-Olu described the meeting as productive and said it reaffirmed the important role of sports in youth development and community building. He revealed that the NBA team expressed commitment to grassroots development, technical training, and creating more opportunities for young athletes to gain exposure and international recognition.
“The NBA team outlined their commitment to growing basketball from the grassroots and expressed their readiness to partner with us in ways that extend far beyond the game itself. They are keen to leverage their network to attract investment, strengthen our sports infrastructure and enhance the capacity of our coaches and technical personnel,” Sanwo-Olu said in a statement.
He added that the partnership aligned with his administration’s vision of using sports as a tool for empowerment, social development and economic growth.
“Together, we can unlock the potential of our young people and further establish Lagos as a hub for sporting excellence,” the governor said.
