By Lukman Olabiyi
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has welcomed the Premier League Trophy to Lagos, reiterating his administration’s commitment to leveraging sports as a tool for youth engagement, social inclusion, and positive transformation.
The prestigious trophy was officially presented to the Governor at the Lagos House, Marina, by the Managing Director and CEO of Guinness Nigeria PLC, Mr. Girish Sharma.
Speaking at the event, Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized the significance of the trophy’s arrival in Lagos, describing it as a reflection of the city’s passion for sports and growing reputation in sports development.
“This trophy symbolises inspiration and unity. It reflects our strong followership, enthusiasm, and the role of sports as a change agent. It connects directly with our youth, showcasing their skills, capabilities, and potential. Sports have become a platform for building responsible citizenship and community engagement,” Sanwo-Olu said.
Earlier during a courtesy visit by Mr. Sharma and his team, the Governor praised Guinness Nigeria for its long-standing presence and contributions to Lagos and Nigeria at large.
“We appreciate Guinness for its impact, especially in promoting sports and corporate social responsibility. It’s encouraging to see a brand that started here in Lagos grow to serve not just Nigeria but the wider West African region. Lagos will always be a home for such progressive enterprises,” he added.
Governor Sanwo-Olu also called on Guinness Nigeria to explore the possibility of bringing Premier League teams to Lagos during off-season tours.
“We would love to host some of the teams during their summer breaks. Lagosians are friendly, passionate fans—we just want to welcome them, take selfies, and celebrate our love for the game. The fans deserve that experience,” he said.
He assured that Lagos State would remain a conducive environment for businesses to thrive, adding, “When businesses succeed, the economy grows, and people’s lives improve.”
In his remarks, Mr. Girish Sharma applauded Governor Sanwo-Olu and his administration for their developmental strides and support for businesses operating in the state.
He highlighted Guinness Nigeria’s 75-year journey, reaffirming the company’s commitment to contributing to Lagos State’s progress.
“Bringing the Premier League Trophy to Lagos gives fans a unique opportunity to connect with a piece of football history. Nigeria is one of the biggest sporting nations, and it’s only right that this trophy is shared with its people,” Sharma said.
He concluded by encouraging Nigerians to continue believing in the country’s potential, expressing pride in Guinness Nigeria’s deep roots in the nation.