Lagos State made a significant impact at the Paris 2024 Olympics, hosting the Lagos Paris Olympics 2024 Esports and Sports Economy Roundtable. The event, organized by the Lagos State Sports Commission, took place at the Africa Station Doom, L’lle-Saint-Denis, in Paris, France.
Under the theme “Exploring New Frontiers and Business Opportunities in Sports,” the roundtable highlighted the forward-thinking approach of Lagos State, led by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. The Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, emphasized the state’s commitment to sports development and its vision of establishing Lagos as a global leader in sports innovation and collaboration.
Fatodu noted, “As the Paris Olympics capture global attention, Lagos has effectively used this international platform to showcase its sporting ambitions. The roundtable has not only raised Lagos’ global profile but has also opened new avenues for economic growth through sports.”
The event focused on various aspects of sports development, particularly the burgeoning field of esports. It brought together high-ranking government officials, potential investors, and representatives from international sports organizations to discuss the future of sports in Lagos.
Prominent figures such as Désiré Koussawo, President of France Esports; Lekan Ajisafe, philanthropist and sports enthusiast; Hon. Abiodun Orekoya, Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Sports; and Mobolaji Ogunlende, Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, were among the panellists. They explored opportunities within the sports value chain and how Lagos can leverage its prominence to attract investments and develop its sports industry.
Other experts, including Lanre Alfred, CEO of Old English; Damilare Orimoloye, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Sports; Deji Omotoyinbo, veteran sports broadcaster; Tella Abiodun, CEO of G2P Sports Limited; Dr. Kweku Tandoh, President of the Nigerian Badminton Federation; and Frank Orbih, shared insights on advancing the esports business in Nigeria.
The roundtable event has positioned Lagos as a key player in the global sports conversation, with the world now watching to see how the city will capitalize on the momentum gained from this prestigious platform.
