2024 NATIONAL YOUTH GAMES: HOW LAGOS, PARALLEX BANK REWARDED U-15 ATHLETES FOR STERLING PERFORMANCE
The Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), in partnership with Parallex Bank, has rewarded four outstanding athletes with ₦1 million each for their exceptional performances at the 2024 National Youth Games held in Asaba, Delta State.
The recipients – Emmanuel Bright (Tennis), Akanbi Demilade (Swimming), Kanu Chioma (Swimming), and Akinwuwo Oladeji (Deaf Athletics) – were honoured for their crucial contributions to Lagos State’s remarkable achievements at the 8th edition of the national championship, which aims to discover and nurture young sports talents across various disciplines.
Speaking at the Parallex Bank headquarters, Victoria Island, in the company of the top management team, the Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr. Lekan Fatodu, described the initiative as a vital part of human capacity development.
“We see this as the intersection of education and sports,” he said. “Lagos is not just providing platforms for these athletes to compete nationally, but we’re also leveraging private sector partnerships that align with our vision for talent discovery and development.”
Fatodu emphasised that youth talent identification and structured development programmes are central to the state’s sports strategy. He expressed confidence that strategic partnerships like the one with Parallex Bank will accelerate the realisation of these goals.
“We want to be recognised as people deeply committed to sports development and talent identification. We have created a generation of champions who can compete at any level,” Fatodu declared.
He also highlighted the broader societal benefits of engaging youth in sports, noting that it helps steer them away from crime and other negative influences.
Dr. Femi Bakre, Managing Director of Parallex Bank, praised the LSSC for its transformative leadership and affirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting athlete development through the partnership.
Speaking on behalf of the parents, Mr. Kanu expressed gratitude to both the Lagos State Government and Parallex Bank for their unwavering support of young athletes.