The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos State Council, has honoured the Executive Chairman of Agege Local Government, Hon. Abdul-Ganiyu Obasa, with the title of Media Games Ambassador in recognition of his outstanding contributions to grassroots development, youth empowerment and sports promotion.
The honour was bestowed during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the NUJ Lagos Council to the Agege Local Government Secretariat ahead of the 2026 NUJ Media Games, which is scheduled to hold from October 5 to 10 at the Agege Stadium, Lagos.
Presenting the award, the Chairman of the NUJ Lagos State Council, Mr. Adeleye Ajayi, described Obasa as a visionary leader whose investments in sports and community development have continued to transform the lives of young people in Agege.
Ajayi noted that the chairman’s administration has consistently demonstrated a commitment to creating opportunities for youths through sporting activities, infrastructure development and community-based initiatives.
According to him, the decision to honour Obasa as a Media Games Ambassador reflects his unwavering support for initiatives that promote talent discovery, healthy living, social inclusion and community cohesion.
He added that Agege has emerged as one of the leading local governments in grassroots sports development, making it a fitting host for the 2026 NUJ Media Games.
Responding, Obasa expressed gratitude to the NUJ for the recognition, describing the honour as both humbling and encouraging. He commended journalists for their role in informing the public and promoting accountability through balanced reportage.
The council chairman reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to leveraging sports as a tool for youth engagement, economic empowerment and social development.
Obasa revealed that the local government has successfully organised youth-oriented sporting competitions, including the Obasa Games and Obasa Summer Games, over the past four years, providing young talents with platforms to showcase their abilities while discouraging social vices.
He reiterated his vision of positioning Agege as a major sports destination in Lagos State and across Nigeria through sustained investment in sporting facilities and youth development programmes.
The chairman also pledged the local government’s full support for the successful hosting of the 2026 NUJ Media Games, confirming that the Agege Stadium will serve as the venue for the tournament.
In addition, Obasa announced that the council will inaugurate its maiden Lagos Mini Football League on July 31, describing the initiative as the first of its kind in Lagos State and another step towards expanding opportunities for young football talents.
As part of the ceremony, the NUJ delegation presented a customised Media Games jersey and face cap to the chairman in appreciation of his support for journalism and sports development.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the NUJ Media Games Committee, Mr. Ayodele Ojedokun, applauded Obasa’s commitment to youth-focused initiatives and sports development, expressing confidence that the forthcoming Media Games will strengthen friendship, networking, healthy competition and wellness among journalists across the state.
The 2026 NUJ Media Games is expected to attract journalists from various media organisations in Lagos, providing a platform for recreation, professional interaction and the promotion of physical fitness within the media community.