Other Sports
INAUGURATION DAY SPECIAL: LAGOS SWAN FELICITATES WITH SANWO-OLU, HAMZAT
The Executive Committee of the Lagos State Chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, has joined millions of Lagosians in congratulating Babajide Sanwo-Olu as he marks his first day in office as the Governor of Lagos State.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Debo Oshundun, Lagos SWAN remarks that the inauguration of Sanwo-Olu as the 15th Governor (Military and democratically elected) of Lagos State is coming at a most auspicious time when sound and experienced leadership is needed to move the state forward.
“May 29 marked another milestone in the history of Lagos state as the leadership baton exchanged hands. We congratulate Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr Babafemi Hamzat.”
Oshundun said the confidence reposed in the duo by Lagosians who voted for them in their thousands is a pointer to the huge deal of expectation now placed on their shoulders.
“To become the Governor of Lagos State is no mean feat. It comes with its attendant demands, challenges and expectations.
“The emergence of Sanwo-Olu and Dr. Hamzat was a product of hard work and dedication. As a professional association, Lagos SWAN urges them to see the task of building a greater Lagos as one that demands even deeper level of commitment and sincerity of purpose.
Lagos SWAN tasked Sanwo-Olu on the need to invest heavily in grassroots sports development to halt the dwindling fortunes of the sector in the State.
“With the teeming population of youths in Lagos state, the government under Sanwo-Olu must utilise the immense wealth-creation potentials of sports. The sector must be treated as a revenue-generating source and not, as has been in the past, merely a way of engaging youths.
Oshundun believes Sanwo-Olu must by now, have drawn up sustainable policies that will ensure Lagos becomes a hub for sports tourism in Africa, in the short and medium term.
Lagos SWAN also commended the swift appointment of Tayo Ayinde as Chief of Staff. The body says it is a clear indication of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s intention to hit the ground running.
Ayinde, to Lagos SWAN, demonstrated his capacity for the job through his sterling performance as head of the Sanwo-Olu campaign organisation.
History will be made in Lagos as the city becomes the first on the African continent to host the world’s all-electric powerboat championship, the E1 Series, from October 3 to 5, 2025.
The announcement marks a major milestone for Nigeria and Africa, as the E1 Lagos Grand Prix brings cutting-edge water sport, innovation, and environmental sustainability to the continent’s shores for the first time.
Sharing the news on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described the event as “a demonstration of innovation and progress, showing how sport can inspire sustainable solutions for the future.”
He added: “It is also a celebration of the creativity and resilience that define our people. This occasion gives us the opportunity to showcase Lagos to the world as we know it: welcoming, dynamic, and determined to embrace the future with confidence.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu also extended an open invitation to Lagosians and the global community to witness the groundbreaking spectacle.
“The E1 Lagos Grand Prix is a chance for Lagos, and for Africa, to stand proudly on the global stage,” he said.
Traditionally renowned for its passion for land-based sports like football, Africa is now set to explore its aquatic potential as the UIM E1 Series, presented by PIF, transforms Lagos’ waterfront into a thrilling race track.
Scheduled for October 4–5, the E1 Lagos Grand Prix promises a unique blend of speed, culture, and sustainability, turning the city’s coastline into a symbol of Africa’s readiness to embrace innovation and green technology in sports.
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Pastor Enoch A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has unveiled a full-size stadium and an Olympic-size 50-metre swimming pool at the Peaceville International Academy, located within the Redemption City of God, Ogun State.
The esteemed cleric was accompanied by his wife, Pastor Folu Adeboye, along with top church leaders including Pastor Joseph Obayemi; RCCG National Overseer, Pastor Sunday Akande, and the management of Peaceville International Academy led by Head of School Dolapo Fatoki.
The event was graced by several board members of the school, including Leke Adeoye, Olugbenga Omojola, Ayoola Jolayemi, Noah Osato, and Mrs Busola Ogunsiji.
Reflecting on his past, Pastor Adeboye lamented the lack of such facilities during his university days and the general scarcity of quality sports amenities across the country.
“This kind of well-grassed stadium and serene environment were not available in universities during our time. Remarkably, God has made this possible in a secondary school, showing that He is on our side,” he remarked.
He offered prayers for those who contributed to the realization of these facilities and expressed his vision for the school to become a global brand.
In her welcome address, Pastor Mrs. Adeboye, the founder of the college, described the institution as a legacy made possible by God’s support.
She thanked her husband for his unwavering support in making the school a reality and emphasized the importance of the sports facilities in moulding Godly champions.
The unveiling ceremony also featured a novelty match to celebrate Pastor Adeboye’s 83rd birthday, with him performing the ceremonial kick-off for the match between Redemption City FC and Region 1 FC. The home team triumphed with a 4-0 victory.
Head of School Dolapo Fatoki highlighted that the facilities would be judiciously used to enhance the physical well-being of students and position the school as a hub for sports development in Ogun State and Nigeria.
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Championship promotion chasers Burnley clocked up 1,000 minutes without conceding a league goal as they drew 0-0 at Preston North End on Saturday to stay third in the table.
It was Burnley’s 24th Championship clean sheet of the season and their 11th in a row — a new English second-tier record.
In 33 Championship games their miserly defence has been breached only nine times and no opposition player has scored against them in the league since Dec. 21.
Burnley keeper James Trafford has faced only 21 shots on target in achieving his 11 successive clean sheets — including two penalties which he saved against Sunderland.
Scott Parker’s side need just one more clean sheet to match the Championship record of Queen’s Park Rangers in 2010-11.
“It’s something we pride ourselves on. We’re proud of being hard to beat and if you can’t win games, don’t lose them,” Burnley midfielder Josh Cullen told the club’s website.
“We come away with a point thanks to that defensive record and being solid again here at a tough place.”
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