In a remarkable display of vision, leadership, and innovation, the Lagos State Sports Commission hosted the Lagos Paris Olympics 2024 Esports and Sports Economy Roundtable at the Africa Station Doom, L’lle-Saint-Denis in Paris, France.
Convened under the theme ‘Exploring New Frontiers and Business Opportunities in Sports’, the Director General, Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, who led the charge at the high-profile event, held on the sidelines of the Paris Olympics highlighted the commitment of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration to sports development and its 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”, he emphasised.
The roundtable event which delved into various aspects of sports development, with a particular focus on esports – a rapidly growing sector that has captured global attention brought together an impressive array of stakeholders, including high-ranking government officials, potential investors, and representatives from prominent international sporting organisations.
Discussants at the panel session comprised of eminent personalities such as Président of France Esports, Désiré Koussawo; philanthropist and sports aficionado, Lekan Ajisafe; Chairman Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Sports, Hon. Abiodun Orekoya; Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Social Development in Lagos State, Mobolaji Ogunlende explored the significant of creating opportunities across the entire value-chain of sportfor sustainable sport economy and how investors can leverage on Lagos prominence to develop the sporting industry.
Other panellists who shared insight on contemporary strategies to advance e-sports business in Nigeria include CEO of Old English Lanre Alfred; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Sports, Damilare Orimoloye; veteran sports broadcaster, Deji Omotoyinbo; CEO G2P Sports Limited, Tella Abiodun; Renowned Sports specialist and President of the Nigerian Badminton Federation, Dr. Kweku Tandoh; and Frank Orbih.
