The Lagos State Sports Commission has rolled out a new policy which will guide the support, monitoring and evaluation of athletes and coaches in the state.
Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, who made the announcement during a press conference on Friday, said the move is in a bid to remain ahead of the curve in pioneering sports development in the country and Africa.
According to him, the agenda is anchored on Sports development reforms, a renewed grassroots framework, and a roadmap to athletes’ revitalisation.
Some of the features of the reforms include the introduction of an online portal for the enlistment of senior athletes, expanding access to facilities across all divisions of the state, and training of coaches.
“Prior to now, there has never been a central database to identify our athletes and manage their performance. As a result, impostors and athletes past their peak have taken advantage of this gap, using it as a meal ticket.
To address this, we are introducing an online portal for the enlistment of senior athletes, monitoring, and performance evaluation,” Fatodu said.
“We are also creating wider opportunities for partnerships with corporate bodies, NGOs, social clubs, and individuals to invest in infrastructure, sponsorship, and athlete development.”
The renewed grassroots framework would also prioritise schools as the focal point for discovering talents.
“We are working closely with stakeholders, teachers, parents, and community clubs to strengthen participation while expanding access to facilities across all divisions of the state. Coaches will be better trained and supported, ensuring every child who embraces sports in Lagos sees a clear pathway to success at national and international levels.
“We are introducing biometric data capture for proper profiling of athletes, access to the facility and monitoring, alongside career sustainability programmes for life after competition. Athletes will benefit from pathways into coaching, administration, and other professions,” Fatodu added.
Under the newly revised guidelines, athletes under the tutelage of the LSSC would be assessed regularly and periodically.
Athletes who fail to meet the minimum requirements in their disciplines after three consecutive National Sports Festivals would be disengaged, with support systems provided for their transition.
Aspiring athletes are to register online at https://lssc.lg.gov.ng/athlete-registration/.
“In addition, we are establishing a Team Lagos Monitoring Unit under the office of the Director General. This unit will conduct biannual reviews, track KPIs, and publish an annual state of Team Lagos report.”
Fatodu also announced that the LSSC will appoint an ex-athlete who will serve as Athletes’ Liaison Officer and act as a bridge between athletes and the commission.
Coaches would be given the required support in terms of training, and would also be mandated to meet several KPIs in a bid to enhance performance at the state and national levels.
The DG also upheld the dissolution of the ‘senior athletes’, which was announced after their protest on Tuesday.