The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting public health, mental wellbeing and social development by leveraging grassroots sporting activities to address social challenges and discourage drug abuse among residents.
The initiative forms part of the State Government’s broader efforts to encourage healthy lifestyles, empower young people and create opportunities for positive social engagement through sports.
The Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende, alongside the Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Hon. Lekan Fatodu, disclosed this during a joint press conference held recently at the Commission’s office at Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
The press conference officially announced the Lagos State Government’s support for two major sporting initiatives under Project 226, designed to raise awareness about mental health challenges and the dangers associated with drug abuse.
The first event involves an extreme triathlon from Osun State to Lagos State, to be undertaken by Coach Dreh, with the primary objective of promoting mental wellbeing, resilience and healthy living.
The second initiative, tagged “Run Against Drug Abuse,” will feature Olufemi Oshinubi embarking on a long-distance run from Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, to Lagos State, aimed at sensitising Nigerians, particularly young people, to the harmful consequences of substance abuse.
Both sporting events are scheduled to take place later in the year.
Through these initiatives, the Lagos State Government seeks to demonstrate the importance of sports as a powerful instrument for youth engagement, public enlightenment and community development.
The programmes also highlight the administration’s commitment to supporting initiatives that encourage physical fitness, strengthen social responsibility and inspire healthier choices.
By promoting grassroots participation and collaboration, Lagos continues to position sports as an important platform for building healthier communities, empowering citizens and advancing sustainable social development across the state.
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