Lagos, Nigeria – June , 2025
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to the development of sports across the state, announcing plans to further expand fencing as a structured sport within the state’s education system.
Speaking at the just-concluded 23rd African Fencing Championships held at Charterhouse, Lekki, Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed pride in Lagos hosting the prestigious continental event and emphasized the importance of introducing students to diverse sporting disciplines beyond mainstream activities.
He noted that fencing, though relatively niche in Nigeria, offers strategic, physical, and mental development benefits that align with the goals of youth empowerment and holistic education. “We are not only supporting football and athletics but also fencing, which teaches discipline, focus, and precision — qualities we want to instill in our young ones,” the Governor said.
Sanwo-Olu commended the organizers of the event and pledged government support in expanding access to fencing facilities and training in public schools through collaborations with the Lagos State Sports Commission and the Ministry of Education.
The Governor also lauded Team Nigeria’s performance at the championship, describing it as proof of the nation’s growing potential in less conventional sports and a call to further invest in talent discovery and sports infrastructure.
The move to mainstream fencing in Lagos schools is part of a broader sports-for-development strategy aimed at reducing youth unemployment, promoting discipline, and fostering national pride through international representation.
Lagos remains at the forefront of sports innovation in Nigeria, having hosted multiple local and international competitions, and is positioning itself as a hub for talent development and sports tourism.