28/01/2019
Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode declares Lagos 2019 world Para Powerlifting invitational championship open.
Having been the mandate to host the event by world governing body, His Excellency Governor Akinwunmi Ambode who was ably represented by the chairman of Lagos State Sports Commission, Dr. Adedayo KwekuTandorhas officially declared the Lagos 2019 World Para Powerlifting Invitational Championship open amidst pomps and pageantry on Sunday 24the January 2019 at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos-Nigeria.
In his speech, he said, “It’s a pleasure for Lagos state to host Lagos 2019 world para powerlifting championship especially as it has to do with para powerlifting sports. An event that has brought a lot of glories, a lot of kudos to our nation, Nigeria”.
“It’s easy to accept the hosting of the event when the Hon. Minister of sports visited Gov. Akinwunmi Amber sometime last year but we felt it was an opportunity to showcase Lagos state as the sporting hub not just for Nigeria but for the continent of African”.
He adds “In the past, we have hosted and we’ll continue to host international tournaments like ITTF open, the Lagos International Badminton Classics, the International Squash Classics as well as African Cadets Fencing championship time mention but few”.
Dr Tandor however, described the host of sporting of the game in the state as the idea and vision ofGovernor AkinwunmiAmbode to use sports to showcase Lagos not just as a tourist destination but as a place that’s hospitable and open to welcome visitors all over the world.
“I’ll also like to tell you that in the next couple of days, Lagos state and Access Bank will be hosting Lagos Access Bank City Marathon which has put Lagos on the world map which no doubt is another opportunity to showcase what we do for sports”.
“To all our six visitors, you’re not only here to compete you’re also here to enjoy the hospitality of Lagos state inbox next five or six days that you’ll be here’.
“You’ll also have the opportunity to visit tourist sites in Lagos state whichever can take back home with in terms of size, the culture, the music, the foods and the warm hospitality of Lagosians”.he stated
Meanwhile, guests and top government functionaries in attendance include the Hon. Minister for sports, Barr. Solomon Dalung, the President of Nigeria Olympic Committee, Engr. Habul Gumel, the Secretary-General of Nigeria Olympic Committee, Mr Banji Oladapo, not leaving out representatives from corporate sponsors.
By virtue of the outcome of the Pre-qualification camp, Nigeria will be competing in this year’s edition with a total of 53 lifters made up of 25 male and 28 female which will be accomplished by 10 coaches, 7 male and 3 female.