In a significant boost for grassroots sports development, Lagos Island has welcomed a new, modern sporting facility. The Babajide Sanwo-Olu Mini Stadium in Sura was officially commissioned on December 31, 2025, marking a landmark achievement for public-private partnerships in the state.
A Pioneering Public-Private Partnership
The stadium is the result of a collaboration between technology brand TECNO and the Lagos State Sports Commission. Notably, this facility is the first mini stadium in Lagos delivered through a corporate-public partnership. Designed specifically for 8-a-side football matches, it provides young athletes in the Sura community with a dedicated, modern space to train, hone their skills, and compete.
At the commissioning ceremony, the Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr. Lekan Fatoba, expressed profound gratitude to TECNO. He emphasized that the project represented more than just corporate social responsibility (CSR).
"This project goes beyond private investment," Fatoba stated. "It represents a rare convergence of purpose between corporate social responsibility and the government’s social contract with the people, delivered through a public-private partnership arrangement."
Call for Expansion and Future Stars
The event also saw calls for replicating this successful model across Lagos. The Lagos State Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Honourable Mobolaji Ogunlende, urged for similar initiatives to be extended to other underserved areas of the state. He specifically mentioned communities in Ikorodu and Badagry as potential beneficiaries to widen the initiative's impact.
Representing TECNO, Mr. Babatunde Giwa, the company's Head of Legal Affairs, outlined the vision behind the investment. He explained that the company's goal is to identify and support budding talent across Nigeria.
"Our goal is to help young, football-loving Nigerians achieve their dreams by creating a bridge between grassroots talent and today’s football icons," Giwa said. "This vision is driven by our commitment not only to associate with established football stars but also to identify, support, and partner with the future stars of the game."
Celebration and Wider Commitment
The commissioning was celebrated with football matches, highlighting the stadium's immediate use. A novelty match between a Lagos State team and a TECNO team ended in a 2–2 draw. This was followed by a community match where the Sura Red Stars secured a 3–1 victory over a local rival team.
This project aligns with TECNO's broader continental strategy to promote football development in Africa, which includes partnerships with major competitions like the CAF Africa Cup of Nations. The company reaffirmed its dedication to supporting youth empowerment and community development through sports.
The successful launch of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu Mini Stadium sets a new precedent for corporate-government collaboration in sports infrastructure, offering a tangible platform for nurturing the next generation of Nigerian football talent right from the community level.
