The Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) has partnered with the Erico Sports Legacy Foundation to strengthen grassroots basketball development and create more opportunities for young talents across the state.
Eko Hot News reports that the partnership is aimed at promoting basketball among school-age children and empowering young people through structured sports development programmes.
The collaboration was announced by the Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Hon. Lekan Fatodu, during a meeting with officials of the Erico Sports Legacy Foundation led by its founder, Michael Erico.
Michael Erico is a former professional basketball player, co-captain of Nigeria’s national basketball team, D’Tigers, and the son of the late Super Eagles coach, Joe Erico.
Speaking on the initiative, Fatodu said youth development requires collaboration between government, private organisations and individuals committed to nurturing future champions.
He explained that the Commission’s primary responsibility is to discover and develop sporting talents at the grassroots and school levels, making the partnership with the Erico Sports Legacy Foundation a valuable addition to its development strategy.
According to the Director-General, the Foundation has demonstrated commitment to youth empowerment through sports, with several successful community programmes delivered over the years.
He noted that partnerships with organisations that share the government’s vision will help expand opportunities for young athletes while supporting the overall growth of sports in Lagos State.
Fatodu said the collaboration would also provide a positive platform for children and teenagers to develop discipline, confidence and leadership through basketball.
He added that engaging young people in organised sporting activities contributes to personal development and opens pathways to educational and professional opportunities.
The Director-General disclosed that the Foundation’s basketball clinic, scheduled for next week, will serve as a talent identification platform for the Lagos State basketball team.
According to him, coaches and technical officials from the Lagos State Sports Commission will work alongside the Foundation to identify promising players for the upcoming National Intermediate Games.
He explained that the clinic will bring together talented young basketball players from different communities, providing an opportunity to evaluate their skills and prepare outstanding athletes for higher levels of competition.
Fatodu said the initiative will also expose selected participants to national and international opportunities that could advance their sporting careers.
The Erico Sports Legacy Foundation was established by Michael Erico in memory of his late father, Joe Erico, one of Nigeria’s respected football coaches.
Over the past six years, the Foundation has organised community-based programmes across Lagos State to support youth development through sports and mentorship.
Speaking on his vision, Michael Erico said the Foundation seeks to inspire children to view sports as more than recreation, but also as a pathway to personal growth and professional success.
He explained that sports can provide young people with opportunities to build careers, contribute to their communities and develop skills that extend beyond the playing court.
Erico said partnering with the Lagos State Sports Commission will expand the reach and impact of the Foundation’s basketball development programmes.
He expressed optimism that the collaboration would eventually lead to the establishment of modern facilities where young athletes can train, receive mentorship and improve their basketball skills.
According to him, creating a supportive environment for young players will help them maximise their potential while preparing them for future competitions.
He also praised the Lagos State Sports Commission for prioritising grassroots sports development and creating programmes that encourage youth participation.
Erico described Lagos as Nigeria’s leading hub for sports development, noting that many of the country’s successful athletes began their journeys in the state.
He reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to working closely with the Commission to nurture the next generation of basketball stars and strengthen grassroots sports across Lagos.
The partnership reflects the Lagos State Government’s broader commitment to youth empowerment through sports, talent discovery and strategic collaboration with private organisations.
With the upcoming basketball clinic and continued grassroots initiatives, stakeholders believe more young athletes will have access to quality coaching, competitive opportunities and pathways to national and international recognition.
The Lagos State Sports Commission says the collaboration is another important step towards building a stronger sports ecosystem that supports talent development, community engagement and the long-term growth of basketball in the state.
