Lagos, Nigeria – Friday, June 13, 2025 – A significant milestone in the advancement of grassroots sports in Lagos State was achieved as the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende, received a high-level delegation from the Nigeria Catchball Federation (NCF) at the Lagos State Sports Commission headquarters, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere.
The delegation, led by Engr. Bola Babarinde, President/CEO of the Federation, included Engr. Ayotunde Ayodeji, Chief Operating Officer, and Dr. Ijeoma Stephanie Ladele, Director of Chapter Development. Dr. Ladele delivered an insightful and compelling presentation on Catchball—Nigeria’s newest sport initiative dedicated exclusively to women and girls.
In his welcome address, Hon. Ogunlende expressed strong support for the initiative, noting that any programme which fosters youth engagement and female empowerment aligns perfectly with the priorities of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s administration. He urged stakeholders present to give their full attention to the NCF’s proposal and explore its potential for impact across the state.
Dr. Ladele outlined Catchball as a dynamic and inclusive sport designed for females of all ages, rapidly gaining popularity across Africa. She highlighted its dual role in recreation and competition, and its strategic value in empowering the girl child, promoting physical and mental health, reducing youth vulnerability, and offering a fresh avenue for sports-based development. She emphasized Lagos’s unique opportunity to pioneer the sport in Nigeria and lead the way in national adoption.
In his remarks, Engr. Babarinde shared the backstory of the Federation’s official recognition and registration in Nigeria. He acknowledged the instrumental roles played by Mr. Bukola Olopade, Director General of the National Sports Commission, and Mr. Anthony Adeyinka (popularly known as Sulu Authority), Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR on Grassroots Sports Development. Their support was crucial in securing approval from the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), overcoming initial regulatory hurdles associated with the use of “Federation” in the brand’s identity.
Engr. Babarinde also noted that the Catchball initiative is a key component of the Renewed Hope Global agenda—of which he serves as General Secretary—committed to delivering 20 million jobs during President Tinubu’s first tenure. Catchball, he said, is a strategic vehicle for job creation and youth engagement.
He affirmed Lagos State’s position as the first to formally adopt and implement the sport, with immediate plans to roll it out across secondary and tertiary institutions, while encouraging local governments to introduce it at the primary school level. The long-term vision includes the establishment of a National Catchball League, following the setup of functional associations in all 36 states and the FCT.
Mr. Nunayon Travih, Director of Sports, introduced key figures from the Lagos State sports ecosystem and reaffirmed the ministry’s readiness to collaborate with the Federation. He announced that, with the Commissioner’s endorsement, a dedicated department for Catchball will be created. A joint committee comprising officials from both parties will be formed to oversee the sport’s successful integration in Lagos.
Also speaking, Dr. Mrs. Oluwasanmi, Director of School Sports, expressed optimism about Catchball’s potential to gain rapid acceptance among Lagos youth. She pointed out that its similarities to volleyball would allow existing coaches and players to adapt quickly, making the implementation process smoother. She welcomed the introduction of a new sport to relieve the pressure on already saturated school sports programmes.
In his concluding remarks, Hon. Ogunlende praised the Federation for selecting Lagos as the launch state and pledged his ministry’s full support. He emphasized the administration’s unwavering commitment to inclusivity in sports, especially for girls and young women. The Commissioner acknowledged the timeliness of the meeting, which was convened ahead of the NCF President’s scheduled departure to South Africa to attend the Africa Catchball Championship, holding from June 16–26, 2025.
In attendance from the Lagos State government were Mr. Damilare Orimoloye, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Sports, and other representatives of the Lagos State Sports Commission. Representing the Nigeria Catchball Federation were Mrs. Blessing Oluwatimiro, Miss Naomi Nnaji, Miss Haleemah Ojo, and Miss Itohan Imoisili.
The meeting took place in the well-appointed boardroom of the Lagos State Sports Commission and marked the beginning of what promises to be a transformative partnership in the state’s sporting history.
