Lagos Introduces Archery in Public Schools to Discover Young Talents and Create New Opportunities
Lagos Government Expands Archery Programme Across Secondary Schools
The Lagos State Sports Commission has launched a new initiative aimed at introducing archery into public secondary schools across Lagos State as part of efforts to develop sporting talents from the grassroots.
The programme, organised in partnership with the Lagos State Archery Association, began at Sango Junior Secondary School in Agege and is expected to spread across all six educational districts in the state.
The initiative is designed to help students discover new talents, improve discipline and concentration, and create future opportunities in sports.
Why Archery Matters for Students and Young Nigerians
Archery is becoming one of the fastest-growing sports globally, offering young people opportunities in:
Professional sports careers
Scholarships
National and international competitions
Personal discipline and focus
Leadership and confidence development
Unlike many sports, archery also helps students improve patience, mental focus, hand-eye coordination, and emotional control.
“We Want to Develop Talents from the Grassroots”
“The purpose of this clinic is to introduce the sport and develop talent from the grassroots in every school across Lagos State.” — Emmanuel Oyeleke
According to Emmanuel Oyeleke, the programme is not just about introducing a new sport but also about building a long-term structure that can produce future champions from Lagos schools.
The state plans to:
Train game masters and instructors
Establish archery centres in all educational districts
Provide students with structured training opportunities
Identify exceptional talents for advanced coaching
How the Programme Will Work
Under the initiative:
20 game masters and mistresses will be trained in each educational district
Students will receive beginner lessons in archery
Schools will gradually integrate the sport into extracurricular activities
The government also plans to establish fully equipped archery centres where students can continue practicing and developing their skills.
Exceptional Students Will Get Advanced Training
Talented students discovered through the programme will be invited to the Zen Lagos Archery Arena at the Teslim Balogun Stadium for advanced exposure and professional-level training.
This could open doors for:
State representation
National championships
International competitions
Sports scholarships
Career opportunities in sports
Young Champion Inspires Other Students
One of the highlights of the launch was the inspiring story of Gabriel Nojeh, a student of Mainland High School and National Junior Champion.
Gabriel encouraged other students to embrace the sport, describing archery as unique, fun, and life changing.
Within one year of starting archery, he won:
The Zen Open Tournament (Under-18 Barebow)
The National Championship in Abuja
His success story shows that young Nigerians can excel in less popular sports when given the right support and opportunities.
Benefits Parents and Students Can Gain from Archery
Parents and guardians can encourage children to participate because archery can help students:
Build self-confidence
Stay focused academically
Avoid negative peer pressure
Learn discipline and patience
Discover hidden talents
Improve mental and physical coordination
Sports participation also promotes healthier lifestyles and teamwork among students.
Lagos Continues to Invest in Youth Development
The Lagos State Government has continued investing in sports development programmes to empower youths and discover hidden talents across communities.
By introducing sports like archery into schools, the state hopes to create more opportunities for young people beyond traditional careers and encourage greater participation in sports.
The introduction of archery into Lagos public schools represents more than just a sports programme. It is an investment in youth development, talent discovery, discipline, and future opportunities for students.
As more schools embrace the initiative, many young Nigerians may discover talents that could lead to scholarships, professional careers, and national recognition. Parents, teachers, and students are encouraged to support and participate in programmes that promote creativity, confidence, and personal growth.
