Lagos Sports Commission intervenes after athlete misses tournament

The Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, has met with U-15 squash player Mariam Oshodi and her mother, Kafayat Oshodi, following a viral video regarding a missed tournament.

Mariam reportedly missed a regional competition because officials from the Surulere Local Government allegedly locked her mother’s shop, where her sports equipment was stored. The mother claimed that despite attempts to explain the importance of the equipment to the athlete’s career, officials refused access to the shop, citing environmental concerns.

During the meeting, Fatodu pledged to engage the relevant government entities to prevent similar occurrences. He outlined plans to develop a policy framework, improve communication with parents, and increase awareness among various government agencies to ensure administrative processes do not hinder the development of young athletes.