LAGOS Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- For the first time since inception, two universities, the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and Lagos State University (LASU) will co-host the 11th edition of the All African University Games (FASU).
The tournament is scheduled to take place from September 20 to 29 this year; preparations are already underway.
A delegation comprising officials from LASU and UNILAG recently paid a courtesy visit to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the Lagos State House in Marina to discuss the upcoming games.
Led by the Vice Chancellor of LASU, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello and the Deputy Vice Chancellor of UNILAG, Professor Ayo Atsenuwa, the delegation briefed the governor on the preparations for the event.
Professor Olatunji-Bello emphasized Lagos’s suitability for hosting the games, citing the state’s track record in hosting events, safety measures, tourist attractions, and economic strength.
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Professor Atsenuwa expressed gratitude to Governor Sanwo-Olu for his continuous support for universities and sports development, acknowledging his previous donation of a rubber track to UNILAG for the 26th NUGA Games in 2022.
Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed Lagos State’s readiness and excitement about hosting the games, recognizing the unifying and developmental role of sports. He assured the delegation of the state government’s full support and encouraged them to seek collaboration with the private sector to enhance the event’s profile and promote Lagos and Nigeria to the rest of Africa.
The local organizing committees for the games have been established, with various subcommittees already engaged in activities to ensure the event’s success. These subcommittees cover technical aspects, facilities, feeding, ICT and accreditation, accommodation, security, ceremonies and protocol, medical services, media and publicity, marketing and fundraising, transport, and volunteer coordination.
Additional committees include Culture and Tourism, Anti-Doping, Immigration and External Relations, Environmental, Education, and Scientific Forum, and Commercial Revenue Generation. The last time Nigeria hosted the FASU games was in 2004 at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) in Bauchi.
With Lagos poised to welcome over three thousand athletes and officials, the event underscores the state’s commitment to excellence in university sports and its readiness to showcase Nigeria’s hospitality to the rest of the continent.