Sanwo-Olu assures of readiness to strengthen Lagos as Africa’s sports capital
L-R: Chairman, 130th Anniversary and Gala Night, Alhaji Abdul Razaq Kanimodo; Wife of the President of the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club 1895, Adenike Adewusi; President, Dr. Adeyinka Adewusi, and Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat during the Lawn Tennis 1895 Iconic Award at the Gala Night commemorating the 130th Anniversary of Lagos Lawn Tennis 1895 at Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos Island, Lagos, on Friday.
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has shown his administration’s commitment to sustained investment in sporting infrastructure, talent development, and strategic partnerships aimed at reinforcing Lagos’ status as the sports and entertainment capital of Africa.
The Governor, a recipient of the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club’s 1895 Iconic Award, stated that his administration remains steadfast in its conviction that sports serve as a vital vehicle for youth empowerment, tourism promotion, economic growth, and enhanced global visibility.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, he said his administration remains fully committed to developing sports as a pathway to youth empowerment, tourism, economic growth, and global visibility in the state.
“We will continue investing in sporting infrastructure, talent development, and partnerships that strengthen Lagos’ position as the sports and entertainment capital of Africa,” the Governor stated.
Commenting on the anniversary theme, “Legacy of the Courts,” Sanwo-Olu said, it underscores the fact that a true legacy is built over time through commitment, shared values, and a firm belief in possibility—qualities that define both the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club and the story of Lagos State.
The Governor further emphasized that the Tennis 1895 Iconic Award represents not only recognition but also an acknowledgment of the enduring spirit, resilience, and excellence that characterize Lagos.
“For 130 years, the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, 1895, has stood as more than a sporting institution. It has served as a cultural landmark, a gathering place for generations, and a promoter of discipline, friendship, and community. Its courts have shaped champions, nurtured young dreams, strengthened international sporting ties, and contributed immensely to the social identity of Lagos,” he said.
Earlier in his welcome address, President, Lagos Lawn Tennis Club 1895, Dr. Adeyinka Adewusi, noted that the milestone celebration, themed “Legacy of the Courts,” marks the celebration of recreational and institutional legacy, which members of the club are all proud of.
He added that as the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, 1895, marks 130 years of existence, the management is committed to positioning it as not just a celebration of history, but a lasting platform for leadership, sports, culture, and community impact.
According to him, “To further mark this landmark anniversary, come February 2026, we will be welcoming the world to this great club as we host the Davis Cup World Group II Play-off. This opportunity, facilitated by the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF), follows their assessment of our facilities as the best in Africa. Tonight’s event, the flagship of our week-long anniversary celebrations, is dedicated to honouring, celebrating, and appreciating our collective achievements.”
In his opening address, the Chairman, Organising Committee of the 130th Anniversary and Gala Night, Alhaji Abdul Razaq Kanimodo, stated that the event represents a cherished milestone in the club’s calendar, describing the event as a testament to the unwavering spirit of tennis in leaders and the unwavering passion of the club’s members.
“As we celebrate tonight, let us all look ahead with optimism for the future of tennis in Lagos and in Nigeria as a whole. We are blessed with a rich and promising pool of talent with the continued support of this club, and I am confident that we will nurture and produce even more exceptional tennis stars in the years to come,” said the chairman.
