The Nigeria Union of Journalists has decorated the Executive Chairman of Agege Local Government, Abdul-Ganiyu Obasa, as a Media Games Ambassador ahead the 2026 NUJ Media Games scheduled to hold from 5th to 10th of October, at the Agege Stadium.
The investiture ceremony took place at the Agege Local Government Secretariat on Wednesday.
Presenting the honour, the Chairman of the NUJ Lagos State Council, Adeleye Ajayi, said Obasa was selected in recognition of his leadership, grassroots development initiatives and commitment to sports development.
Ajayi noted that the council considered the Agege chairman worthy of the recognition because of his administration’s investment in community infrastructure, youth-focused programmes and sports development.
He said Obasa’s support for grassroots sports had contributed to youth engagement, talent discovery, healthy living and social cohesion within the community.
“Through deliberate investments in sporting infrastructure and youth-focused initiatives, you have demonstrated that sustainable community development begins with empowering young people and providing them with opportunities to excel,” Ajayi said.
He added that the honour was reserved for individuals whose contributions to sports and community development aligned with the vision of the NUJ Media Games.
Responding, Obasa described the recognition as an honour and commended journalists for their role in promoting accountability and showcasing government activities.
“I feel very excited and honoured to be recognised for the work we have continued to do,” he said.
The council chairman acknowledged the role of the media in publicising government programmes, saying journalists help ensure developmental efforts receive the visibility they deserve.
According to him, the Agege Local Government will continue to use sports as a tool for youth engagement and community development, noting that sports also create employment opportunities and contribute to economic growth.
He highlighted initiatives such as the Obasa Games and the Obasa Summer Games, saying the programmes had, over the past four years, kept young people positively engaged while attracting participants from different parts of the country.
Obasa also pledged the council’s support for the 2026 NUJ Media Games, announcing that the Agege Stadium would be made available for the tournament.
“We will be glad to support the Media Games because we are proud to be associated with anything that promotes sports in Lagos and Nigeria. Our facilities at the Agege Stadium will be available for the Media Games and we will be part of the event,” he said.
The chairman further disclosed that the local government would inaugurate its maiden Lagos Mini Football League on July 31, describing it as the first competition of its kind in the state.
The event featured the presentation of a customised NUJ Media Games jersey and face cap to Obasa by the NUJ leadership.
Chairman of the Media Games Committee, Ayodele Ojedokun, commended the Agege chairman for his support and urged journalists across Lagos to prepare for what he described as an exciting competition aimed at promoting friendship, networking and physical wellness among media practitioners.
Among those present were the Assistant Secretary of the NUJ Lagos State Council, Olayide Awosanya, and Media Games Committee member, Anulika Menaya.
