I n a remarkable display of vision, leadership, and innovation, the Lagos State Sports Commission recently hosted the Lagos Paris Olympics 2024 Esports and Sports Economy Roundtable. The event took place at the Africa Station Dome in L’lle-Saint-Denis, Paris, France, coinciding with the ongoing Paris Olympics.
Themed "Exploring New Frontiers and Business Opportunities in Sports," the roundtable was spearheaded by the Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu. Fatodu highlighted the unwavering commitment of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration to sports development and its broader vision for sports excellence and global collaboration.
“As the Paris Olympics continue to captivate the world, Lagos has successfully leveraged this global platform to spotlight its sporting ambitions. The roundtable has not only elevated the city’s international profile but has also opened new avenues for economic growth through sports. All eyes are now on Lagos to see how it will translate the momentum gained from the roundtable into tangible actions. As one participant aptly put it, ‘Lagos has not just entered the global sports conversation; it has positioned itself to lead it,’” Fatodu emphasized.
The roundtable event delved into various aspects of sports development, with a particular focus on esports—a rapidly growing sector that has captured global attention. The event brought together an impressive array of stakeholders, including high-ranking government officials, potential investors, and representatives from prominent international sporting organizations.
“Lagos has not just entered the global sports conversation; it has positioned itself to lead it.”
The panel session featured eminent personalities such as Désiré Koussawo, President of France Esports; Lekan Ajisafe, philanthropist and sports aficionado; Hon. Abiodun Orekoya, Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Sports; and Mobolaji Ogunlende, Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Social Development in Lagos State. These discussants explored the significance of creating opportunities across the entire value chain of sports for a sustainable sports economy and discussed how investors can leverage Lagos' prominence to develop the sporting industry.
Other notable panellists who shared insights on contemporary strategies to advance the esports business in Nigeria included Lanre Alfred, CEO of Old English; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Sports, Damilare Orimoloye; veteran sports broadcaster, Deji Omotoyinbo; Tella Abiodun, CEO of G2P Sports Limited; Dr. Kweku Tandoh, renowned sports specialist and President of the Nigerian Badminton Federation; and Frank Orbih.
The roundtable highlighted Lagos’ growing influence in the global sports arena and its potential to drive economic growth through innovative sports development strategies.
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