Former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola has urged African governments to invest purposefully in sport, saying the continent’s young population could become a major economic resource.
Fashola calls for grassroots investment
Fashola spoke as the special guest at the closing ceremony of the 2026 ITTF Africa Youth Cup at the Borteyman Sports Complex in Accra.
He said Africa’s position as home to the world’s youngest population made sport investment particularly important. In his view, young athletes can build substantial careers through competition, while the global sports economy has already reached a value of about one trillion dollars.
Fashola added that a focused commitment to developing sport at grassroots level would allow the continent to capture far greater economic benefits.
The former Nigerian Minister of Works and Housing also called on policymakers to view sport as a business and commercial sector, rather than simply as an recreational activity.
Praise for young players
Fashola said he was impressed by the quality of table tennis on display in Accra, describing the competitors as evidence of Africa’s considerable sporting potential.
He said the tournament had revealed gifted players who required further coaching and development to reach the highest international level.
Fashola also praised ITTF Africa President Wahid Oshodi for staging the event successfully. He expressed hope that governing bodies in other sports would adopt a similar approach and create more platforms for young African athletes.
Honour for contribution to table tennis
Fashola received an honour during the ceremony in recognition of his contribution to the development of table tennis across Africa. During his tenure as Lagos governor, he supported the introduction of the Lagos Table Tennis Classic, which later developed into the Nigeria Open and subsequently became the WTT Contender Lagos.
