The 5th edition of the Amuwo Games, tagged “Cancel Scam Culture”, has officially kicked off in Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area, drawing 600 young athletes from across the community. The grassroots sports festival will run throughout November, with the closing ceremony scheduled for Saturday, November 23.

Participants will compete in 16 sporting events, including football, basketball, athletics, swimming, chess, tennis, and volleyball. The biennial event aims to discover sporting talent, promote community unity, and nurture leadership qualities among youths.

Speaking on the origins of the Games, the founder and chairman of the Amuwo Games Local Organising Committee, Seun Ayeni, said:

“Amuwo Games was like a solution to something. We used sports as a tool to curb negative energy in the community. Since its inception, the Games have grown bigger and better and have become a household name in Amuwo Odofin.”

This year, the event will introduce prize rewards to recognize and motivate athletes who have demonstrated dedication over the years.

The Lagos State Sports Commission reaffirmed its support for the Games, highlighting its alignment with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s agenda of inclusivity and youth engagement in sports. Nunayon Travih, representing the Director-General, Lekan Fatodu, said that talents identified at the Games would be integrated into Lagos State’s team for the 2026 National Sports Festival in Enugu State.

“We have coaches and scouts across various sports disciplines identifying young talents within the age grades. These are the future stars who will represent Lagos and Nigeria on national and global stages,” Travih added.

The event also featured prominent dignitaries, including Hon. Stella Foluke Osafile, member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Amuwo Odofin I, who performed the ceremonial kickoff, and Prince Adeyemi Ayilara, President of the Amuwo Odofin Landlord Resident Association, Mile 2, Jakande Estate, alongside top coaches and scouts.