– Paramount ruler praises initiative for promoting regional unity
The Alake of Egbaland, His Royal Majesty Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo Okukenu IV, has given his royal endorsement to the SouthWest Games 2025, describing it as a “brilliantly envisioned and masterfully executed sporting festival” that promises to be a revolutionary force for youth development and communal solidarity across the region.
Oba Gbadebo offered his commendation while receiving the Chairman of the SouthWest Games, Dr. Olanrewaju Alfred, and members of the Organising Committee at his Ake Palace in Abeokuta. The revered monarch extolled the organisers for conceptualising a platform that not only nurtures athletic excellence but also strengthens cultural bonds and fosters discipline among young people.
“I extend my heartfelt commendation to you, Dr. Alfred, and your dedicated team,” Oba Gbadebo declared. “The South West Games is a profound affirmation of the power of sports as a tool for uniting our people, engaging our youth meaningfully, and instilling the values of excellence, camaraderie, and healthy rivalry. Your efforts are praiseworthy and inspirational.”
Beyond his warm commendation, the Alake of Egbaland offered fervent prayers for the success of Dr. Alfred and his team, assuring them of the unwavering support of the Egba people and his royal court.
“May the Almighty continue to guide your steps and crown your labours with enduring success,” the monarch prayed. “Know that Egbaland stands firmly behind you. You are not walking alone, we are with you at every milestone of this noble journey.”
Oba Gbadebo, celebrated for his commitment to youth empowerment and regional advancement, further encouraged the organisers to scale their initiative beyond the South West, envisioning the Games as a template for national sports development and grassroots integration.
“This noble venture should not be confined to the South West alone,” he counselled. “It has the potential to spark a nationwide movement, structured, inclusive, and far-reaching, designed to harness and elevate the boundless talents of Nigerian youth.”
The Alake’s royal blessing adds significant momentum to the South West Games, which successfully debuted in Lagos, featuring the six states of the region. The tournament drew wide participation from young athletes and garnering support from political, corporate, and traditional stakeholders alike.
In response, Dr. Alfred expressed profound gratitude to His Royal Majesty for the royal endorsement, describing it as “a sacred charge and a call to even greater diligence.”
“Receiving the blessing and encouragement of the Alake of Egbaland is a deeply humbling honour,” Alfred said. “It affirms that the South West Games is a vision shared by our leaders, our communities, and our youth.”
Alfred also revealed that early-stage discussions are ongoing with stakeholders across other regions of Nigeria, aiming to replicate the success of the South West Games through a comprehensive inter-regional sports calendar.
“The royal support we have received today is a strong wind beneath our wings,” Alfred affirmed. “We are building more than a tournament; we are sowing the seeds of a national renaissance in sports, starting from the grassroots.”
The SouthWestGames 2025, hailed as a groundbreaking sporting event, combined spirited competition with robust community engagement, setting a new standard for youth-focused initiatives in Nigeria.
With the Alake’s endorsement and growing interest nationwide, the SouthWest Games is rapidly evolving from a regional sporting festival into a movement poised to redefine grassroots sports and youth development across Nigeria.
As Alfred concluded during the royal audience, “Leaders like HRM Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, who bless our efforts and walk alongside us, give us the strength to dream boundlessly and build the SouthWest Games into a timeless legacy.”
