LSSC SET TO ENSURE SAFETY OF ATHLETES, RUNNERS ON LAGOS ROADS
The Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), Honourable Lekan Fatodu, has said the Agency would engage the services of the law enforcement Agencies in the state to put an end to harassment and extortion of road athletes by some miscreants on the roads during training activities.
Hon. Fatodu gave this assurance during a courtesy visit by a social media influencer and marathoner, Mr. Daniel Somande, to the Commission's headquarters. The meeting addressed the need for safe, secure, and accessible sporting environments for athletes across the state.
While appealing for the patience and cooperation from lawful road users - the motorists, commuters and others for the road athletes - Hon. Fatodu reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to creating an enabling sporting environment for all sports to thrive in the State.
"The Agency will not tolerate or be lenient with any individual or group attempting to subvert government efforts toward sports development," Fatodu stated. He emphasised that the Commission remains dedicated to executing its mandate of nurturing talent through building infrastructure and fostering youth empowerment through sports. He also promised the agency's support in promoting Somande's marathon career.
Mr. Daniel Somande, in his remarks, said the primary aim of the courtesy visit is to inform the Commission of the coming 66km race scheduled to take place in Lagos State before the end of the year and his participation in the competition.
He also used the occasion to discuss career promotion and some challenges facing road athletes, part of which included safety on the road, harassment from miscreants, particularly during training.
Somande, who started his marathon career in 2020 with the Ikoyi Club Marathon race, has done 4,500 kilometres cumulatively and has also covered 50 per cent of Lagos State with the ultimate aim of covering the whole of Lagos State landmass on foot. He also shared his plan for a unique ground-breaking marathon that may include running in traditional Agbada as part of his career goal and achievement.
Highlighting the geographical advantages for distance runners in Lagos, the Ikorodu-based athlete encouraged fellow runners to consider Ikorodu as an ideal training hub.
"In Nigeria, top marathon runners often come from Jos, Plateau State, because of its high altitude and favourable topography. Ikorodu offers the closest equivalent in Lagos State with its elevated terrain, perfect for hill training, higher altitude above sea level, and wider roads compared to the congested routes elsewhere in the state," Somande noted.
Somande is currently preparing for a standout performance at the Comrades Marathon in South Africa, scheduled for June 2027, where he hopes to receive support from the Lagos State Sports Commission.
Other notable competitive races he has participated in include the Millennial Half Race in Ghana, 10km Cotonou in the Benin Republic, Capital City Race, Access Bank Marathon Race, and Arm Marathon Race, among others.
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