Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has rewarded the victorious Team Lagos contingent for their outstanding performance at the 2025 National Youth Games held in Asaba, Delta State, where the state topped the medal table for the first time in the competition’s history.

Team Lagos emerged overall champions at the 9th edition of the Games, dethroning hosts Delta State with an impressive haul of 110 medals, 52 gold, 32 silver, and 26 bronze.

At a reception held on Friday at the Lagos House, Ikeja, in honour of the athletes, coaches, and officials, Governor Sanwo-Olu lauded the young athletes for their exceptional performance and commended the Lagos State Sports Commission, led by its Director-General, Mr. Lekan Fatodu, for the historic achievement.

The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth and sports development, pledging continuous support to young athletes to enable them to reach their full potential. He encouraged the athletes to remain focused and disciplined while balancing their education with sports.

Sanwo-Olu expressed optimism that the young talents would go on to represent Nigeria in future national and international competitions, adding that the state government would continue to provide world-class facilities and create more opportunities for youth to thrive in sports.

The highlight of the event was the announcement of cash rewards for the medalists, coaches, and officials. Each of the 41 individual gold medalists received ₦500,000, while gold medalists in team events were rewarded with ₦1 million. Silver medalists got ₦300,000 each for individual events and ₦700,000 for team events, while bronze medalists received ₦250,000 individually and ₦500,000 for team events.

In addition, athletes who did not win medals were each rewarded with ₦100,000, while 61 coaches received ₦300,000 each. The Governor also appreciated the management of the Lagos State Sports Commission with a ₦25 million reward.

Governor Sanwo-Olu’s gesture was described as a testament to his administration’s unwavering dedication to youth empowerment and the development of grassroots sports in Lagos State.

Speaking at the event, Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr. Lekan Fatodu, said the reception went beyond financial incentives, as it provided a lifetime experience that would further inspire the young athletes.

Fatodu commended the Governor’s consistent belief in the potential of Lagos youths and his continued investment in sports infrastructure and human capital development.

The reception was attended by several top government officials, including the Chairman, House Committee on Youth, Sports and Social Development, Hon. Abiodun Orekoya; Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin; Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende; Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Hon. Jamiu Alli-Balogun; Senior Special Assistant to the President, Hon. Adeyinka Adeboye; as well as executives from corporate organisations.