The Lagos State governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, yesterday revelaed that is “100 per cent in support” of the decision of Spanish club Barcelona Football Club to establish its first Football Academy in Africa in Lagos.
Ambode, who spoke at the Lagos House, Ikeja, while receiving senior management staff of the football club, pledged maximum support of the government in ensuring the successful take-off of the project.
Ambode, who was visibly delighted with the development, claimed that it is in consonance with his administration’s philosophy for sports development.
He described the development as a “historic moment for the state and a thing of joy,” seeing as it is coming at a time when the state is still basking in the euphoria of the successful hosting of the Lagos City Marathon.
“This visit by FC Barcelona is coming at a point where I believe strongly that we have nothing else to say beyond pledging our commitment to this partnership which we know will give us the first FCB Escola in Africa.
“I was made to understand that this is the first of its kind in Africa. So, Lagos is priding itself as a major receptor of the next academy to be established in Africa.
“I know that this will create a very good platform for youth development, grassroots empowerment and, also, for the value of sportsmanship. We share the same values – respect, courage, humility, social integration and community service – with FC Barcelona.
“You have our blessing [and] you have our go-ahead. Whatever it is that we need to do to ensure that this project takes off as quick as possible as a government, we are 100 per cent ready to support you in the interest of all of us,” Ambode pledged.
Earlier, Director of Business and Member of FC Barcelona Management Board, Pau Vilanova i Vila-Abidal, who led the team to the State House, thanked the governor for the support given to them so far in actualising the project and disclosed that the club decided to establish its Academy in Lagos due to the impressive population of the state and the opportunity to share the philosophy of the team with the people of the state.
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