*Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State receives the Premier League trophy, restating his administration鈥檚 commitment to using sports as a tool for youth engagement and social development in the ‘Centre of Excellence’

Emmanuel Akosile | 绿帽献妻

Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State received the Premier League trophy Sunday, May 18, 2025, at the State House, in Marina, Lagos Island.

Sanwo-Olu used the occasion of receiving the trophy from Mr. Girish Sharma, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Guinness Nigeria Plc, to restate his administration鈥檚 commitment to using sports as a tool for youth engagement and social development.

Sharma said the presentation of the trophy as part of the company鈥檚 efforts at connecting Nigerian football fans with the globally celebrated football league.

Gboyega Akosile, Special Adviser to the Lagos Governor on Media and Publicity, in a statement, said Sanwo-Olu, at the event, described the Premier League as an inspiration to millions of young people.

The governor declared: 鈥淲e are excited that Guinness identifies with us by bringing the Premier League Trophy to Lagos.

“It is a trophy that everybody believes is inspirational. It is about using sports as a change agent.”

The statement also noted: “It is about using sports as a way of connecting to the youth demographic that we have.

鈥淚t is about using sports as a weapon to be able to identify the skills, capacity and capability of our young people.

“It is about using sports as a strong connection to be socially responsible citizens and individuals and to use it as a means of engagement.鈥�

The Lagos Governor applauded Guinness Nigeria Plc for its investments in sports and social initiatives.

Sanwo-Olu urged the global company to consider facilitating visits by Premier League teams to Lagos during off-season breaks.

He equally stated: 鈥淥ne of the things that I am going to throw back to you is to see how some of the teams, during their summer break, can come around for two or three days.

“We don鈥檛 bite people, we don鈥檛 eat people, we are just fans. We just want to hug them and take a selfie with them.”

The governor said: “We want the teams to come and see millions of their fans and identify with the country and the State.

鈥淲e want to assure you that we will continue to make Lagos hospitable and habitable for businesses to do well and thrive.”

He further assured: “We will continue to make the environment worthwhile for every corporate organisation because we know that it is by doing that that we can develop the economy, we can grow, and people can see a better life for one another.鈥�

Speaking on the occasion, Sharma, CEO of Guinness Nigeria, commended the Lagos State Government (LASG) for creating a conducive environment for business and acknowledged Nigeria鈥檚 passion for football as the reason for bringing the trophy to Lagos.

The Managing Directorbof Guinness stated: 鈥淚 am very pleased to be here today to present the Premier League Trophy to football fans and give them the opportunity to stand next to the trophy. We make sure the trophy comes to Nigeria because this is one of the largest sporting nations.

“So, there is no way this trophy cannot be presented to the Nigerians for them to feel it.”

Sharma said Guinness Nigeria, which is marking its 75th Anniversary, would remain committed to investing in the country.

He, therefore, urged Nigerians to continue believing in the nation鈥檚 potential.

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