Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN), will join other dignitaries that will watch the opening ceremony of the 26th MTN Ghana 2008 Africa Cup of Nations Tournament billed to take place in Accra Ghana on January 20, 2008.

The Governor’s attendance is sequel to a letter of Special Invitation extended to him by the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of the tournament. In the letter dated December 18, 2007, and signed by its Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Magnus Rex Danquah, the LOC said it was extending the invitation to the governor in appreciation of the commitment of the Lagos State Government as well as the personal efforts of the governor in the development of sports and football which, according to the committee “has contributed to the fame Nigeria now enjoys in football on the Continent”.

The letter, titled “Special Invitation to His Excellency The Governor to Participate in Opening Ceremony of Ghana 2008 ACN Tournament”, reads in part, “Members of the LOC Board of the Ghana 2008 Tournament and indeed, all sports loving people of Ghana, have been following with keen interest Lagos State’s commitment to the development of sports and football, as well as your own interest, Your Excellency, which has contributed to the fame that Nigeria now enjoys in football on the continent.

“It is in appreciation of that, Sir., that we respectfully request you to graciously accept the LOC’s invitation to be among the august dignitaries who will have the delight of watching the Opening Ceremony of the Tournament, to be followed immediately by the opening match between the host nation Ghana and the national team of Namibia.”