Sanwo-Olu pledges support for 2026 CAF awards in Lagos
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has assured the Confederation of African Football (CAF) of the state government’s full backing for the successful hosting of the 2026 CAF Awards scheduled to take place in Lagos on December 7.
Sanwo-Olu gave the assurance on Sunday while receiving a CAF delegation led by Dr Christian Emeruwa, Project Lead for the CAF Awards and CAF General Assembly, during a courtesy visit to Lagos House, Marina.
In a statement released on Sunday by the governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, Sanwo-Olu said necessary arrangements, including security, logistics, branding and access to the venue, would be given adequate attention.
The statement partly read, “The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has pledged the State Government’s full support for the successful hosting of the prestigious 2026 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards in Lagos on December 7.
“Governor Sanwo-Olu assured a CAF delegation visiting Lagos that key arrangements, including security, logistics, branding and venue access, would receive the necessary attention.
“He gave the assurance while receiving the delegation, led by the Project Lead for the CAF Awards and CAF General Assembly, Dr Christian Emeruwa, during a courtesy visit at Lagos House, Marina, on Sunday.
“The Governor described Lagos as a major commercial, cultural, entertainment and technology hub in Africa, highlighting its diversity, youthful population and economic significance as key assets for hosting international events.
“He said Lagos had committed to giving CAF officials, football stakeholders and international visitors a positive experience, adding that the event would provide an opportunity to showcase the state’s hospitality and capacity to host major international engagements.”
According to the statement, Emeruwa disclosed that the CAF delegation was in Nigeria for a five-day mission to inspect proposed venues and evaluate preparations for the CAF Awards in Lagos and the CAF General Assembly in Abuja.
He described the CAF Awards as one of Africa’s major annual non-competitive football events, celebrating outstanding players, officials and national teams for their performances during the year under review.
The statement added that the December 7 ceremony would draw leading figures from African and international football, including representatives of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) and other international guests.
Emeruwa also sought the assistance of the Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) in promoting the event and coordinating branding across the state.
He further requested that the Lagos State Government lead security operations in collaboration with CAF’s security team.
