The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos State Council, has decorated the Executive Chairman of Agege Local Government, Hon. Abdul-Ganiyu Obasa, as the Media Games Ambassador ahead of the 2026 NUJ Media Games scheduled to hold from October 5 to October 10 at the Agege Stadium, Lagos.
The honour was conferred on Wednesday during a ceremony held at the Agege Local Government Secretariat, where the NUJ lauded Obasa’s outstanding leadership, commitment to grassroots development and unwavering investment in sports.
Presenting the honour, NUJ Lagos State Council Chairman, Adeleye Ajayi, said Obasa was carefully selected in recognition of his remarkable achievements in community development and youth empowerment through sports.
According to Ajayi, the council was impressed by the chairman’s people-oriented policies, strategic investments in infrastructure and dedication to improving the welfare of Agege residents.
He noted that Obasa’s administration has transformed Agege into a model of progressive local governance while using sports as a powerful tool for youth engagement, talent discovery, healthy living and social cohesion.
Ajayi added that the NUJ Sports Committee considered Obasa’s consistent investment in sporting facilities and youth-focused initiatives as key factors in selecting him as one of the distinguished ambassadors for the 2026 Media Games.
Responding, Hon. Obasa expressed appreciation to the NUJ for the recognition, describing the union as a highly respected professional body.
He commended journalists for their critical role in promoting accountability and giving visibility to the developmental efforts of governments across the country.
“Without journalists, much of the work we do would not be known to the public. I sincerely appreciate the media for projecting our activities, and we will continue to do more to engage our youths positively through sports,” he said.
The council chairman reiterated his administration’s belief that sports remain a viable platform for youth development, job creation and economic growth, citing the impact of the sports industry in developed countries.
He disclosed that Agege Local Government has consistently sustained youth engagement through initiatives such as the Obasa Games and Obasa Summer Games, which have attracted participants from different parts of Nigeria over the past four years.
Obasa also pledged the local government’s full support for the forthcoming NUJ Media Games, assuring the organisers that the Agege Stadium would be made available for the tournament.
“We are proud to identify with any initiative that promotes sports in Lagos and Nigeria. Our facilities will be available, and we will actively support the Media Games,” he assured.
The chairman further announced that Agege Local Government will inaugurate its maiden Lagos Mini Football League on July 31, describing it as the first competition of its kind in Lagos State.
The event featured the presentation of a customised NUJ Media Games jersey and face cap to Hon. Obasa by the NUJ Chairman and members of the council.
Chairman of the Media Games Committee, Ayodele Ojedokun, commended Obasa for his unwavering support for sports development and urged journalists across Lagos to prepare for an exciting and memorable tournament.
The 2026 NUJ Media Games is expected to foster friendship, healthy competition, professional networking and physical wellness among media practitioners.
Other dignitaries at the ceremony included the Assistant Secretary of the NUJ Lagos State Council, Olayide Awosanya, and a member of the Media Games Committee, Anulika Menaya.