Damilare Orimoloye, Special Adviser to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Sports, affirmed the state’s commitment to bolstering football clubs within its borders. In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Orimoloye reflected on the state’s sports initiatives in 2023 and outlined plans for 2024.
Orimoloye emphasised the state’s newfound pledge to extend support to football clubs situated within Lagos. He stated, “We are ready as a state government and Lagos State Football Association (LSFA) to support all the teams resident in the state without leaving any behind.” He stressed the importance of avoiding scenarios like MFM FC’s relegation and asserted, “We won’t give room for it.”
The Special Adviser highlighted Governor Sanwo-Olu’s directive, declaring, “Gov. Sanwo-Olu has declared that every football club representing Lagos State will be getting support.” He added, “These clubs are Lagos flag bearers and they are his teams.”
Orimoloye, also a board member of LSFA, outlined the state FA’s involvement in sharing the administrative burdens of Lagos-based football clubs. He stated, “Our job is to deliver the mandate of the governor. We are going to support these teams in whatever capacity.” Additionally, he revealed ongoing efforts to secure private sponsorships for some clubs.
He further detailed the state’s commitment: “Whenever any of the football clubs is going for competition, we will supply physiotherapists and additional trainers under the government’s bill to boost the technical crew.” Asserting Lagos as a sports-loving city, Orimoloye affirmed, “This is our commitment towards supporting football, mostly loved by Lagosians.”
