By Daily Sports Nigeria on August 9, 2025
The Lagos State Government has launched a grassroots initiative aimed at reducing crime and promoting youth development across the state. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu unveiled the programme titled ‘Lagos Street Soccer Star Oshodi 2025’ as part of a broader strategy to address the root causes of crime in urban neighbourhoods.
The initiative seeks to channel youthful energy away from social vices by leveraging the unifying power of sports, offering young people productive alternatives to idleness and gang involvement.
Mr Atewogboye Adeoye, senior aide to the governor on Grassroots Sports Development, said on Wednesday that the programme would provide safe, structured recreation for at-risk youth whilst instilling essential life skills.
“The initiative will provide safe, structured recreation for at-risk youth; instil life skills such as teamwork, discipline, and resilience; foster community engagement and social cohesion; boost self-confidence and motivation and create pathways for personal and professional growth through sports,” Adeoye said.
He added that the initiative reflects the Sanwo-Olu administration’s commitment to inclusive governance, youth empowerment, and community development.
“By investing in grassroots sports, we are not only nurturing talent but also giving our young people a strong sense of purpose and direction,” he said at the launch. “This is about securing the future of Lagos by empowering those who will shape it.”
The programme’s primary goals include offering alternatives to crime and social vices, promoting community cohesion, developing essential life skills, and building self-esteem and purpose among youth
The administration anticipates several positive outcomes from the initiative, including a decline in youth involvement in criminal activity, increased civic participation among young people, a more inclusive and responsible social culture, and improved quality of life across communities.
“With this initiative, Lagos sets a powerful example of how sports can drive meaningful social change and secure a brighter future for its youth,” Adeoye pointed out.
The street soccer programme represents the latest effort by the Lagos State Government to address youth challenges through sports and community engagement initiatives.
Source Punch Ng
Posted August 9, 2025
You may also like...
Murray Marks His Return To Top 100
Banyana wallop Pharaohs, storm into AWCON semis
Osimhen not injured, insist striker's handlers
Vardy Wins Premier League Golden Boot
Man City Must Tighten Up At The Back,...
Wayde van Niekerk storms to 400m gold in...

AFN VP pledges N1.6m reward for C’wealth Games trials
Joshua warns Prenga ahead July 25 bout
Nigeria’s World Cup absence a big miss – Terry
NOC To Formally Launch Safeguarding Policy On June 16
Messi scores on injury return as Argentina beat Iceland in World Cup warm-up
Iwobi to join Yobo, Enyeama, Musa on 100 Nigeria caps
Omewa happy to open Falcons goal account
World Cup: Enyimba, Remo to benefit from FIFA’s $355m windfall
Nigerian-Born Stars Set to Shine in the US, Canada and Mexico
Omewa brace powers Falcons past Senegal
Joshua open to Itauma fight
NWFL Super Six: Edo Queens’ beat FC Robo 4-1
Rangers International going, going . . . (63,844 views)
Amaju Pinnick: A cat with nine lives (55,177 views)
Second Term: Amaju Pinnick, Other NFF Heavyweights Home to Roost •How Pinnick Broke the Jinx (53,125 views)
Current issues in Nigerian sports: Matters arising (52,693 views)
Sports Development: Zenith Bank on the zenith (52,596 views)
Missing $150,000 IAAF Grant: Solomon Dalung’s Hide and Seek game (52,494 views)
Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje’s solid footprints, commitment to sports development in Kano State (52,329 views)
NFF Presidency: Pinnick, Maigari, Ogunjobi, Okoye in Battle for Supremacy (51,895 views)
Olopade, BET9A wave of revolution in NNL (51,076 views)
Commonwealth Games 2018: Shame of Muhammadu Buhari, Solomon Dalung (49,575 views)
Ibrahimovic’s Man U exit: Whose decision is it? And in whose interest? (48,012 views)
John Mikel Obi: Segun Odegbami’s Outrageous Call! (47,454 views)