Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Sunday received the English Premier League trophy at the Lagos House in Marina, restating his government’s dedication to harnessing the power of sports for youth development and social progress.
The iconic trophy was presented by Girish Sharma, Managing Director and CEO of Guinness Nigeria Plc, as part of the company’s campaign to bring Nigerian fans closer to one of the world’s most beloved football leagues.
In a statement signed by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, Sanwo-Olu described the Premier League as a powerful symbol of aspiration for millions of Nigerian youths.
“We are excited that Guinness identifies with us by bringing the Premier League trophy to Lagos,” the governor said. “This trophy is inspirational. It represents how sports can be a powerful tool to connect with our youth, develop their skills, and foster responsible citizenship.”
Sanwo-Olu praised Guinness Nigeria’s longstanding investments in sports and social impact initiatives, while also suggesting the possibility of bringing Premier League teams to Lagos during off-season tours.
“During the summer break, we’d love to see some of the teams visit. We’re passionate fans here in Lagos — we just want a selfie and maybe a hug. It would mean the world to millions who follow the league closely,” he said.
He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to maintaining a business-friendly environment, saying,
“We will continue to make Lagos hospitable for both local and international investors. We understand that economic development thrives when businesses are encouraged and supported.”
In his remarks, Girish Sharma lauded the Lagos State Government for creating an enabling environment for business, noting that Nigeria’s deep-rooted love for football made it an obvious choice for the trophy’s stopover.
“Nigeria is one of the biggest sporting nations globally, and bringing the Premier League trophy here was a natural decision,” Sharma said. “This is part of Guinness Nigeria’s 75th anniversary celebrations, and we are proud to invest in a country with so much potential.”
He encouraged Nigerians to stay optimistic and continue believing in the country’s future, reiterating Guinness Nigeria’s long-term commitment to national development.
The event marked a symbolic celebration of football’s unifying power, as well as a reminder of the role sports can play in inspiring the next generation.
