Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu received the English Premier League trophy at the State House on Sunday, reiterating his administration’s commitment to using sports as a tool for youth engagement and social development.
The trophy was presented by Guinness Nigeria Plc’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Girish Sharma, as part of the company’s efforts to connect Nigerian football fans with the world-renowned football league.
This was stated in a press release signed by Gboyega Akosile, the governor’s special adviser for media and publicity.
Speaking during the occasion, Sanwo-Olu characterised the Premier League as an inspiration to millions of young people.
He said, “We are excited that Guinness identifies with us by bringing the Premier League Trophy to Lagos. It is a trophy that everybody believes is inspirational. It is about using sports as a change agent. It is about using sports as a way of connecting to the youth demographic that we have.
“It is about using sports as a weapon to be able to identify the skills, capacity and capability of our young people.
It is about using sports as a strong connection to be socially responsible citizens and individuals and to use it as a means of engagement.”
Sanwo-Olu also commended Guinness Nigeria’s contributions in sports and social activities, pushing the firm to explore organising Premier League team visits to Lagos during the off-season.
Sanwo-Olu stated, “One of the things that I am going to throw back to you is to see how some of the teams, during their summer break, can come around for two or three days. We don’t bite people, we don’t eat people, we are just fans. We just want to hug them and take a selfie with them. We want the teams to come and see millions of their fans and identify with the country and the state.
“We want to assure you that we will continue to make Lagos hospitable and habitable for businesses to do well and thrive. We will continue to make the environment worthwhile for every corporate organisation because we know that it is by doing that that we can develop the economy, we can grow, and people can see a better life for one another.”
In his remarks, Sharma praised the Lagos government for establishing a business-friendly climate and cited Nigeria’s enthusiasm for football as the basis for bringing the trophy to Lagos.
“I am very pleased to be here today to present the Premier League Trophy to football fans and give them the opportunity to stand next to the trophy. We make sure the trophy comes to Nigeria because this is one of the largest sporting nations.
“So, there is no way this trophy cannot be presented to the Nigerians for them to feel it,” he said.
In his remarks, Sharma praised the Lagos government for establishing a business-friendly climate and cited Nigeria’s enthusiasm for football as the basis for bringing the trophy to Lagos.
