Babajide Sanwo-Olu Archives

Africa’s Top Fencers Light Up Lagos for 23rd African Championships

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago06 mins

Lagos, Nigeria’s vibrant commercial capital, is set to host over 150 of the continent’s finest fencers for the 23rd African Fencing Championships, taking place from June 25 to 29, 2025. This prestigious five-day, 12-event tournament will unfold at Charterhouse Lagos, the first British independent school in West Africa. The event will be officially declared open by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Wednesday, June 25. This year’s championship promises high-stakes drama and elite competition, with 50 women and 100 men from 18 nations vying for continental glory. It also marks another milestone for Charterhouse Lagos, which successfully hosted Nigeria’s first Fencing World Cup in 2024. The action kicks off on Wednesday, June 25 at the Centre of Excellence, with athletes competing in both individual and team events. The tournament will feature a thrilling mix of regional, continental, Olympic, and world champions. Preliminary rounds will build up to intense medal showdowns, highlighting a dynamic blend of rising stars and seasoned veterans. Stars to Watch With medallists from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games competing in every category, fans can expect fierce rivalries and world-class performances. Picking a favourite will be no easy task as Africa’s elite fencers clash in a celebration of skill, strategy, and sportsmanship. Men’s Épée The men’s individual épée promises a fierce contest, headlined by Mohamed El-Sayed of Egypt, the 22-year-old bronze medalist from Paris 2024 and defending African champion. He’ll face stiff competition from his younger brother, Mahmoud El-Sayed, the reigning world junior champion. Also in the mix is Shamel Youssef (ranked 10th in junior men’s épée), alongside fellow Egyptians Osama Eslam and Elkord Houssam. Egypt’s dominance in this category makes them the team to beat in the men’s team épée. Women’s Épée Defending champion Alexandra Ndolo of Kenya, a 38-year-old Germany-based fencer, will be aiming to retain her title. She faces strong challenges from Tunisian and Egyptian contenders in what promises to be a tightly contested event. Men’s Sabre In the men’s sabre, all eyes will be on Ferjani Fares of Tunisia, world No. 3 and silver medalist at Paris 2024. He’ll be challenged by Egypt’s Mohamed Amer (2024 African champion) and Adham Moataz (2024 silver medalist). Nigeria’s rising star, 17-year-old Brou Inkosi, will also be in the hunt, adding local excitement to the mix. Women’s Sabre Defending champion Lorina Essomba of Cameroon will need to be at her best to fend off a strong Egyptian contingent. Expect fast-paced action and tactical brilliance in this category. Men’s Foil Egypt’s Mohamed Hamza, the defending champion, will face a major challenge from compatriot Tolba Abdelrahman, the current world junior No. 1. Their potential gold medal clash could be one of the highlights of the tournament. Women’s Foil Egypt’s Yara Elsharkawy, 26, is the one to beat. After clinching double gold (individual and team) at the 2024 African Championships in Morocco, she returns to defend her titles in Lagos. Team Events Egypt remains the dominant force in both men’s and women’s team events, especially in foil and épée. Their women’s squad will aim to retain titles across all three weapons: foil, épée, and sabre. Tunisia’s men’s sabre team, the reigning champions, will need to be at their best to fend off a star-studded Egyptian lineup. Home Team Spotlight: Nigeria Nigeria’s 12-man squad heads into the African Fencing Championships with a determination to break their medal drought at the continental showpiece. For many team members, the tournament presents a crucial opportunity to earn valuable ranking points in their quest to qualify for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. The team features a dynamic blend of foreign-based and homegrown talent and stands out as one of the youngest contingents in the competition. Leading the charge is Inkosi Brou, Nigeria’s highest-ranked fencer, whose presence adds both experience and excitement to the youthful lineup.

Lagos Govt. reaffirms commitment to sustainable development

Fola Badmus8 months ago4 months ago05 mins

The Lagos State Government on Tuesday reaffirmed its readiness to partner with stakeholders to make Lagos a model of sustainable development in Africa. The State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu made this known at the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) 23rd Chief S.I. Edu Memorial Lecture held at CIBN Centre, Victoria Island, adding that to make a meaningful impact; collaboration is essential as government policies alone will not suffice. “We need the private sector, civil society, and our academic institutions to join hands in building a more sustainable future. Investing in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and eco-friendly technologies not only protects our environment but also stimulates economic growth”, he said. The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, who represented the Governor, said the annual event serves as a crucial reminder of the need to harmonize economic aspirations with preserving the natural environment. He added that the 2025 theme speaks to the heart of a pressing challenge as the evidence of climate change is all around and poses significant threats to communities, especially in Lagos, a coastal city vulnerable to flooding and erosion. He said that Climate-positive growth entails integrating sustainability into every facet of economic planning and development, stressing that Lagos has implemented several key initiatives to drive this change. He explained that the Lagos State Energy Master Plan aims to create a stable environment for investment and expand renewable energy policies, carefully considering factors such as energy access, affordability, environmental impacts, and investment needs. He said complementing the aforementioned is the Lagos Integrated Energy Resource Plan, a comprehensive blueprint for the State’s energy initiatives, adding that this plan sets ambitious goals, which include the provision of a reliable and sustainable power supply as well as significantly improving electricity supply to critical public infrastructure. He explained that the Lagos Renewable Energy Transformation Project is actively working to create a cleaner and more secure energy future for the state by leveraging innovative renewable energy solutions and enhancing energy efficiency across the board. He said these initiatives have resulted in a demonstrable increase in solar energy adoption in the past few years, showcasing the commitment to clean and a sustainable urban planning initiative. Examples, according to him, include the development of green spaces in previously underutilized areas, which have also contributed to a healthier environment. Sanwo-Olu added that the transformation of the dumpsite at Olawale Dawodu Road in the Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA into a 5-A-side Astro-Turf Football pitch, consisting of parking and open space for recreation, has helped mitigate the urban heat. He said the legacy of Chief S.L. Edu reminds everyone that environmental stewardship is a responsibility everyone shares; as such, there is a need to empower young people with the knowledge and tools to become active participants in building a greener future. He added that this could involve supporting environmental clubs in schools, organising community clean-up drives, or promoting educational campaigns on sustainable practices. The Governor stated further that there is a need to prioritize environmental education and community engagement for the young people who are the custodians of tomorrow to understand the value of conservation and sustainability.