The Director General, Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, has expressed satisfaction with the level of performance of the state athletes in the ongoing National Youths Games, stating that, the state will continue to take leadership position in sports development.

Speaking on the performances of the athletes, at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, Delta State, Fatodu reiterated the commitment of the state in sports development, reassuring that government will continuously provide an enable environment for the newly discovered athletes to thrive and further expose them to competitions in their various sporting activities.

Fatodu disclosed that the athletes’ impressive performances at the Games have been really, really exceptional from swimming, deaf athletics, boxing to hockey and wherever they are competing, they have raised the bar of the state in sporting excellence.

“So, what we can actually do is to continue to move forward, motivate the young people. There’s an aspect of psychology that is very, very important in boosting their confidence and ensuring that they stay on course.

“Those are some of the things that we have observed in terms of energy, in terms of zeal, commitment and capacity. They are truly fit for the purpose”.

The Director General further said the team need to look at the side of motivation in terms of speaking to them during the game, in terms of positive disposition when the game is going.

“I believe that going forward, if we continue to move in that direction, Lagos has always been a place of sporting excellence. We will continue to take the leadership position, whereby a lot of states in Nigeria, will emulate what Lagos state is doing”

Medical & Scientific Commission, in Collaboration with IOC Medical & Scientific Commission, will offer Basic Life Support (BLS) and Heart Savers Training, to Enhance Emergency Response Skills in Lagos, Nigeria.

Already 60 participants have been identified to be in the training, and they would be split into groups of 15 each.

The event is scheduled from October 7 to October 10, 2024, in Lagos at the Emergency Care Consultants (EHCON).

The Commission and its NOC Medical & Scientific Commission affiliate are dedicated to promoting health, safety, and medical education in sports.

Through this initiative, the Commission would ensure that sports professionals and stakeholders would be equipped with the necessary skills to respond effectively in emergencies.

Both Commissions will collaborate to deliver comprehensive Basic Life Support (BLS) and Heart Savers training to healthcare professionals, medical personnel, and coaches from the National Sports Federations, and State Sports Councils/Commission.

”This collaboration underscores the NOC’s commitment to improving emergency preparedness and response within the sports community and beyond.

”It also aims to enhance the emergency response capabilities of the 60 targeted participants, divided into four sessions with 15 participants each.”

The statement adds that the hands-on training will focus on essential life-saving techniques, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs), and managing airway obstructions.

”These are critical skills for addressing medical emergencies such as cardiac arrest, choking, and other life-threatening situations.

“Our goal is to empower participants with the confidence and knowledge to provide life-saving care in emergencies, Dr Musa Oshodi, Chairman of NOC Medical & Scientific Commission.

“This training is crucial for professionals who are often the first to respond in emergencies, particularly in high-performance sports and public settings.”

The training will be led by Emergency Care Consultants (EHCON), whose certified instructors bring extensive experience in emergency medical care.

Upon completion, participants will receive an official BLS certification, recognized nationwide and essential for healthcare workers, lifeguards, and individuals in other emergency-related fields.

The event will take at Time: 8,00a.m a.m. in each of the days.

Engr. Habu Ahmed Gumel, President of NOC will officially open the training sessions.

With 182 athletes from across the nation competing for gold, the rugby sevens competition at the 8th National Youth Games in Asaba 2024 was a thrilling display of speed, talent, and fierce determination.

In the U-15 Boys division, host team Delta secured the gold medal by defeating Kano 7-0 in a hard-fought championship match, while Edo State claimed the bronze by beating Kwara 19-0.

In the U-15 Girls division, Edo State emerged victorious in a dramatic final against reigning champions Delta, winning 5-0 in a match that was tied both in regular time and sudden death.

The game was decided by drop goal points, with Edo converting one, while Delta missed all three of their attempts. In the bronze medal match, newcomers Team Abia State clinched a 5-0 victory over Ogun State.

Dr. Ademola Are, President of the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF), commended the athletes and assured that more tournaments would be organized to support their growth. He expressed his gratitude to the Delta State Government and the Ministry of Youth and Sports, highlighting the significance of this platform in giving the boys and girls an opportunity to showcase their skills.

General Secretary Oludare Davies praised the athletes for their outstanding performances and urged them to avoid social vices, emphasizing the importance of dedication to their training. Additionally, General Manager Mr. Azeez Ladipo used the occasion to introduce T1 Rugby to the teams, promising increased participation and development opportunities in the sport.