The Lagos State Government has expanded the number of viewing centres for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2023) from 15 to 20. Mr. Damilare Orimoloye, the Special Assistant to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Sports, announced this during an interview. The decision aims to promote social inclusion, allowing residents to gather, mingle, and watch AFCON matches in a communal setting.
Orimoloye emphasised that the initiative aligns with Governor Sanwo-Olu’s “Plus Agenda,” focusing on social bonding and networking. The additional five centres will provide more proximity, encouraging more people to come out and enjoy the football matches in a friendly environment.
He said, “The idea to increase the AFCON viewing centres across Lagos State is in line with the theme Plus Agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, which emphasises social inclusion.
“The idea is that our people will have the opportunity to go out and mingle while watching the AFCON 2023; people will come out to interact with other football fans.
“This project will increase bonding and networking among our people in a more friendly environment.
“We now have five additional centres added to the previous 15 which makes a total of 20 centres across Lagos, which will enhance more proximity so that more people will come out.”
Oluwatoyin Gafaar, the Director General of Lagos State Sports Commission, highlighted that the viewing centres would feature side attractions, creating an enhanced experience for spectators. The centres will open at 3 p.m. and operate until the conclusion of the last match, catering not only to Nigeria’s fixtures but to all matches of the AFCON 2023. The initiative also includes incentives such as providing food, drinks, popcorn, and other amenities to enhance the overall viewing experience for the spectators.
He said, “Last two years, we had 15, but this time around we are making it 20 centres, and we will continue to expand.
“Lagos government is ready to provide all the needed support to the people as dictated by Governor Sanwo-Olu. We want to increase the atmosphere of bonding in Lagos State.
“The centres will be opened at 3pm and will remain open until the last match is played. The centres are not for Nigeria’s fixtures alone, but all the matches of AFCON 2023.
“Other incentives include feeding the spectators, drinks, pop corn, among others. It’s going to be an exciting moment for football fans in Lagos during AFCON 2023.”