Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has endorsed the 2025 South-West Games, while stating it will serve as avenue to nurture then next generation of champions.
Sanwo-Olu will welcome the other five states in the region to Lagos for the inaugural edition of the games from March 26 to 28. As the likes of Ogun, Osun, Oyo, Ekiti, Ondo battle for Supremacy.
The Governor, who is a staunch advocate of grassroots sports development, is confident that the games will foster unity, economic empowerment, and youth engagement.
He said: “For decades, the South West has been a hub of sporting excellence, and this event will provide a structured avenue to nurture the next generation of champions.
“Beyond the thrill of competition, it fosters discipline, teamwork, and a shared identity among our people. The tournament is commendable for laying the groundwork for a future where young Nigerians can excel on global stages.
“These games have the potential to reinforce our shared values, collective ambition, and the boundless potential within our youth.”
The South West Games will feature over 1,200 athletes, and 120 officials across multiple sporting disciplines, making it one of the largest regional tournaments in recent history.
One of the standout highlights of the event is the Bola Ahmed Tinubu South West Alliance Games (BATSWAG), designed to develop young talents under 18.
Similarly, The Director General (DG), Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), Lekan Fatodu also highlighted the benefits of the games, while urging the participants to embrace it.
He said: “Lagos is proud to host this landmark sports fiesta and the LSSC has fully committed its resources to enabling the success of the tournament.
“As modern developments have shown, sports have evolved beyond an ordinary pastime of enthusiasts; it has grown into a burgeoning industry with the capacity to create jobs, drive investments, and spur lasting growth in communities,”.
Dr. Lanre Alfred, President of the Organizing Committee, acknowledged Governor Sanwo-Olu’s endorsement as a defining moment for the South West Games 2025.
He said: “Aside from being the chief host of the event, having a leader of his stature champion this initiative elevates its significance.
“We are happy to receive his endorsement and blessings as the purpose of this event exceeds the promise of medals, the South West Games is geared towards discovering opportunities where there are none, building partnerships and a sustainable sports ecosystem for the region”.
In recent weeks, notable personalities have thrown their weight behind the Games, including Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Osun State Governor Senator Ademola Adeleke, Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and former Ogun State Governor Aremo Olusegun Osoba (CFR).
Traditional leaders, such as the Ooni of Ife, HRM Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and sports icons like Segun Odegbami (MON) and former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Amaju Pinnick, have also pledged their support, reinforcing the tournament’s significance in regional development.
The games will feature football, athletics, basketball, boxing, table tennis, and traditional African games such as Ayo-Olopon and Abula.
According to the organisers, it will also include adaptive sports, ensuring that athletes with disabilities are given an equal platform to showcase their skills.
