LASPARK PARTNERS RED BULL ON BASKETBALL COURT UPGRADE
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| Aesthetic aerial view of the newly renovated basketball court in Ndubuisi Kanu Park, Alausa. |
Public-private partnerships (PPP) involve collaboration between a government agency and a private-sector company that can be used to finance, build, and operate projects, such as public transportation networks, parks, and convention centers. The Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK) in pursuit of the actualization of a metropolitan Lagos, guided by the T.H.E.M.E.S agenda of Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu led administration has strategically deployed the PPP policy for some of her project execution.
Once again, the merits of PPP policy was today brought to fore by LASPARK as administered by the General Manager of the agency, Mrs. Adetoun Popoola who's purposeful leadership is keenly aligned with the administration of Mr Governor for a metropolitan Lagos. In a bid to improve the health and well-being of Lagosians, as well as promote community engagement, youth development and to reduce the increasing rate of Drug abuse among young adults and adolescents; LASPARK has partnered with Red Bull on the renovation and upgrade of the Basketball Court in Ndubuisi Kanu Park, Alausa.
While unveiling the newly renovated Basketball Court, the LASPARK General Manager expressed gratitude to Red Bull for the rehabilitation work, saying the State Government will continue to seek out opportunities for collaboration to promote recreation and beautification in Lagos State.
“The partnership on this project is in line with LASPARK’s mandate to promote beautification, recreation and leisure in Lagos State", she avowed.
Popoola highlighted the importance of parks and gardens as safe spaces for members of communities to converge, interact and improve their health and wellness by being active, noting that parks can contribute to lower crime rates in communities and can also reduce the increasing rate of Drug abuse among youths in Lagos neighbourhood.
She added that the public-private partnership initiative also affirms Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to a Healthy and Sustainable Environment in Lagos, stating that LASPARK is open to exploring partnerships and collaborations that will benefit residents of the State.
The General Manager averred that Red Bull's aim, through the partnership, was to leave a strong and positive legacy behind by working with local communities to upgrade existing playgrounds, courts and community centres.
“The artwork in the basketball court was done by popular urban graffiti artist Osa ‘Seven’ Okunpolor, arguably, one of the most talented and sought-after graffiti artists in Africa; who teamed up with Red Bull on the basketball court upgrade project”, she revealed.
The newly rehabilitated basketball court hosted 16 basketball teams from all over Nigeria, who had made it through the qualifiers for the National Finals of the Red Bull Half Court Competition.
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| Ballers in action during the competitive event Photo Credit: Redbull official website. |
The 3 x 3 basketball tournament holds in more than 20 countries across the world. A statement on the red bull tournament's official website reads in part:
"Another urban greenspace hosted the National Final in Nigeria, as the best teams from nationwide qualifiers faced off in Ndubuisi Kanu Park in Lagos with an impressive national trophy at stake. Fans stayed glued to the gameplay and a variety of performances all through the day and well into the evening, with the deciding games played under the lights".
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| Photo Credit: Redbull official website. |
"Now just a few more national showdowns are left before the top teams clash at the World Final. The big day is 16 October 2021, when the season comes full circle right where it launched, on the iconic court that PISKV transformed last spring in Rome" the article conclude.