With a deft combination of courage, compassion, and confidence in his vision, the renowned Development Expert and Policy Advocate, Lekan Fatodu, has been appointed the new Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Infinitely gracious and sagacious, yet, elaborately simple Fatodu, gained the confidence of Governor Sanwo-Olu courtesy of the massive developmental projects that he initiated when he served as the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Fatodu is that rare performer who brings scarce intensity, intelligence and precision to his work thus, providing endless depth to governance and unprecedented vigour to public service.
This strategic move, no doubt, aligns with Governor Sanwo-Olu’s dedicated efforts to reposition the sports sector in the state, with the aim of unlocking the inherent talents of its vibrant population for economic growth and development.
Fatodu brings to this role over 18 years of extensive experience in international development, strategic communications, and diplomacy. His background as a development expert and sports and fitness enthusiast positions him uniquely to lead the Lagos State Sports Commission into a new era of excellence and innovation.
Yes, Lekan Fatodu understands that if success were to be a room, it takes skill to get one’s feet at its door, and the secret key combination would be perseverance, hard work and excellence.
He also understands that you can only be in the room for as long as your character and integrity would permit.
Thus he shies away from any act or deal capable of soiling his name and the hard-earned reputation of his principal, Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration.
Prior to this appointment, Fatodu served as the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Governor Sanwo-Olu on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), where he distinguished himself through the implementation of a wide array of impactful initiatives.
His exemplary leadership played a key role in conceptualizing, planning, and executing initiatives that addressed various aspects of sustainable development, touching on areas such as poverty alleviation, environmental conservation, and social equality.
He was the lead consultant at CheckOut Communications Ltd, a development, digital solutions, and strategic communications firm and the producer of the highly successful entrepreneurship forum, the Africa Shapers Initiative, a platform for the exchange of great ideas between established and aspiring entrepreneurs on the continent.
In his new role as the DG of the Lagos State Sports Commission,
Fatodu will be instrumental in supporting Governor Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES Plus Agenda, particularly from the perspective of sports development. His focus will be on maximizing the leverage of sports as an effective tool for talent growth, human capital development, social inclusion, gender equality, and peace, among other social goods that can be derived from purposeful sports development.
Fatodu’s extensive global network has already facilitated greater support and initiatives from the international development space to Africa, and Nigeria in particular which is opening up opportunities for the country to tap into invaluable skills and resources to confront its development challenges more effectively.
Recently, Fatodu attracted notable Nigerians in the world of international basketball, football, and table tennis to Lagos who generously donated sporting gear worth millions of naira to aspiring young athletes at the grassroots level as these budding athletes acquired invaluable insights and education in their respective sporting interests.
In addition to his professional achievements, Fatodu has received numerous recognitions and awards, including the “Most Outstanding Entrepreneur” by Strides Media UK in 2011 and being named for “Outstanding Achievement and Exemplary Public Endeavors” by the University of Lagos Alumni Association, Lagos State Chapter in 2014.
Fatodu is a proud graduate of the University of Lagos, Nigeria, where he obtained a degree in Mass Communication. He furthered his education at the University of Westminster, London, where he earned a master’s degree in Diplomatic Studies.
Governor Sanwo-Olu expresses confidence in Fatodu’s ability to bring fresh perspectives, international networks, and a passion for sports development to the forefront of the Lagos State Sports Commission. This appointment reflects the administration’s commitment to tapping into the diverse talents within the state and fostering an environment where sports can thrive as a significant contributor to the overall well-being and economic prosperity of Lagos State.
His ability to foster collaboration between government agencies, private sector partners, and community stakeholders will significantly contribute to the advancement of the sports sector in Lagos State.
Known for his well-traveled and connected persona, the Lagos State Sports Commission looks forward to the dynamic leadership of Fatodu and anticipates exciting developments that will elevate sports in the state to new heights.
