Lagos archery schools campaign begins across public secondary schools to develop grassroots sporting talent statewide

The Lagos State Government has launched a bold statewide initiative to introduce and popularise archery in public secondary schools as part of efforts to develop sporting talent from the grassroots.

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The programme, organised by the Lagos State Sports Commission in partnership with the Lagos State Archery Association, began at Sango Junior Secondary School within the Dairy Farms School Complex in Agege and is expected to cover all six educational districts in Lagos State over the next two weeks.

Vice Chairman of the Lagos State Archery Association, Emmanuel Oyeleke, said the mentorship and development clinic was designed to institutionalise archery within the school system while identifying future champions for the state and country.

Emmanuel Oyeleke explained that the initiative would train game masters and mistresses who would, in turn, oversee student development in their various schools.

“The purpose of this clinic is to introduce the sport and develop talent from the grassroots in every school across Lagos State,” Emmanuel Oyeleke said.

Under the Lagos archery schools campaign, 20 instructors are being trained in each educational district through a structured train-the-trainer model, while students are receiving introductory practical sessions in the sport.

Emmanuel Oyeleke said the state also plans to establish dedicated archery centres across the six educational districts to ensure sustained participation and advanced training opportunities for pupils.

The facilities will provide students with access to professional equipment and regular coaching aimed at strengthening grassroots sports development in Lagos.

Emmanuel Oyeleke added that exceptionally talented pupils identified during the programme would be invited to the Zen Lagos Archery Arena at the Teslim Balogun Stadium complex for elite exposure and performance training.

One of the standout moments during the opening session came from National Junior Champion Gabriel Nojeh, a student of Mainland High School, who encouraged fellow students to embrace the sport.

Gabriel Nojeh described archery as unique, entertaining and rewarding, noting that the sport had helped him distinguish himself among his peers.

The young champion revealed that he had already secured victories at the Zen Open Tournament in the Under-18 Barebow category and the National Championship in Abuja within a year of taking up archery.

Gabriel Nojeh also praised the Lagos State Sports Commission for its sponsorship and continued support, which he said contributed significantly to his rapid rise in the sport.

The programme has already begun uncovering promising young athletes, with Olubudo Timilehin, an SS2 student of Sango Senior Secondary School, emerging as one of the impressive performers during the opening clinic.

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Officials said the Lagos archery schools campaign is expected to strengthen youth participation in lesser-known sports while creating fresh pathways for young athletes to compete at national and international levels.