FASHOLA UNVEILS MASCOT, WEBISITE, LOGO FOR 18th NATIONAL SPORTS FESTIVAL

…Seeks spport of Corporate Lagos as he promises that Lagos will host a spectacular Festival

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN) on Thursday unveiled the Logo, Website and Mascot for the 18^TH National Sports Festival urging all stakeholders concerned with sports in the country to use this edition as an opportunity to realize the much needed renaissance in the sports sector.

Promising that the State will host a spectacular Sports Festival which comes up between November 27 and December 9, the Governor said it was time to rebuild, replan and depart from an era where sportsmen and women who fail to prepare hard pray for miracles.

Governor Fashola who spoke at the unveiling event held at the Shell Hall of the Muson Centre, Onikan-Lagos, said the decision of the administration to host the sports Festival was a clear indication of his administration’s commitment towards sports development in the state.

He said as soon as the issue of when the festival would be held was resolved to hold in 2012, the administration took it up as a duty and responsibility to ensure that the date was sacrosanct and has delivered on the promises it made.

“As a manifestation of the commitment of the administration, the Local Organizing Committee was officially inaugurated with the Deputy Governor as the Chairman and comprising of notable Lagosians chosen for their love and contribution to sports as well as their knowledge, success and excellence in their respective fields”, the Governor said.

According to Governor Fashola, “The LOC wasted no time in getting down to business and before long, 10 Sub-Committees were formed to serve as the working organs for the LOC”. He listed the committees as Venue and Facilities, Accommodation and Welfare, Catering and Feeding, Security, Transport, Media and Publicity, Marketing, Ceremonial and Protocol, Medical and Games Service Secretariat.

In his words “We are pleased to have these organs in place and fully functional towards a common objective. Renovation of the LOC Secretariat complex at the Teslim Balogun Stadium is almost completed and contracts have been awarded by the Ministry of Works for renovation projects necessary to upgrade the various venues and facilities to be used for the Games. Lagos is working, LOC is working and I am confident we will acquit ourselves as worthy hosts of the National Sports Festival”.

Governor Fashola noted that the unveiling of the Official logo, the Official Mascot and Launching of the Official website are further steps in the process of announcing the 18^th National Sports Festival into the consciousness of the public.

“The Logo, Mascot and the Website provide icons and instruments for the public to latch on to and identify the sports festival .It is important that the people of Lagos embrace and identify with the Sports Festival as their own and I expect these icons to be projected around the city for the people to see and familiarize with”, the Governor stated.

The Governor seized the opportunity of the unveiling event to solicit the support of the Corporate Lagos and indeed, Corporate Nigeria to partner with the State Government describing the support and partnership of the private sector as a key attribute to the development of the State.

He said “I wish to appeal to the Corporate Lagos to support this worthwhile sporting initiative and partner with us for EKO 2012.Sports sponsorship in Lagos should be an investment and extend beyond a mere CSR exercise.It should be a mutually beneficial relationship that yields clear and quantifiable rewards to the brands and businesses of Private companies”.

“I am also aware that the Federal Government has in place tax breaks for companies that support sports in Nigeria.EKO 2012 Marketing brochure developed by the LOC has more details and this brochure will be made available to our corporate partners today” he concluded.

Governor Fashola acknowledged the inspiring co-operation and support received from the Main Organizing Committee (MOC) and in particular, Dr. Patrick Ekeji as well as the entire members of the MOC.

Earlier, the Deputy Governor and the Chairman of Local Organizing Committee, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, explained that the Mascot (LASGIDI) symbolizes excellence, commitment, strength, resilience and limitless possibilities in Lagos State.

Mrs. Orelope-Adefulire said all the necessary logistics for the successful conduct of the games were being put in place adding that in line with the administration’s policy to make government activities ICT-compliant, the LOC will provide on-line resources for sports lovers to access information,monitor the game real time and engage in online activities that will make the game more exciting and interesting.

The Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Mr. Bolaji Abdullahi said he has no doubt that the Lagos State will set a new benchmark in the hosting of this year’s National Sports Festival.

According to the Minister, “I strongly believe the festival will provide a platform to discover new talents to represent the country at international sporting events and serve as avenue to foster unity among people from various parts of the country”.

The Director- General of the National Sports Commission, Patrick Ekeji who also doubles as the Chairman of the Main Organizing Committee (MOC) said the commission is working to use this year’s festival to consolidate on the successes recorded by the previous festivals.

Also present at the event were members of the Local Organizing Committee including its Vice Chairman, Mr. Wahid Enitan Oshodi, Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas, top sports administration both at the State and National levels and other top government functionaries.