● Hails Tournament as a Catalyst for Unity, Youth Empowerment
● BATSWAG: A Tribute to Visionary Leadership, Says Abiru
In a resounding endorsement that underscores the transformational power of sports, Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru has thrown his weight behind the South West Games 2025, positioning the tournament as a beacon of unity, youth empowerment, and economic revitalization. His passionate advocacy for the games, alongside support from a host of political leaders, sports icons, and corporate giants, sets the stage for an unprecedented sporting spectacle in the region.
Senator Abiru, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance, and Other Financial Institutions, did not mince words in articulating the profound significance of the South West Games 2025. Describing the event as “a unifying force, a platform for youth empowerment, and a catalyst for national development,” he emphasized its potential to uplift the region and inspire the next generation of Nigerian athletes.
“The South West region has long been known for its excellence in sports, and this competition will not only showcase the immense talent within our communities but also strengthen the bonds that tie us together as one people,” Abiru stated. “Through healthy competition, discipline, and teamwork, our youth will be inspired to reach new heights, fostering unity and camaraderie across states.”
Scheduled to take place from March 26 to 28, 2025, the South West Games 2025 is set to feature over 1,200 athletes and 120 officials competing in multiple sporting disciplines, making it one of the most expansive regional sporting events in recent history. A key highlight of the tournament is the Bola Ahmed Tinubu South West Alliance Games (BATSWAG), a sub-event specifically designed to nurture young talents under the age of 18. Senator Abiru described BATSWAG as a fitting tribute to a leader whose vision for regional integration and national progress has remained an inspiration. “These games will serve as a reminder of our shared heritage and collective aspirations as we build a stronger, more prosperous South West and Nigeria as a whole,” he noted.
His endorsement comes as a significant boost to the tournament, which has already garnered widespread support from some of Nigeria’s most influential leaders. Among the prominent figures backing the South West Games 2025 are Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, 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 rulers, including the Ooni of Ife, HRM Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Bashorun Dele Momodu as well as football legend Segun Odegbami (MON) and former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Amaju Pinnick, have also pledged their support, signaling a collective commitment to using sports as a vehicle for regional development.
Beyond its sporting significance, Abiru emphasized the economic and social impact of the games, calling on corporate organizations, government bodies, and well-meaning Nigerians to rally behind the initiative. “As the Chairman of the Nigerian Southern Senators Forum, I reaffirm my commitment to initiatives that promote youth development, social cohesion, and economic opportunities,” he declared. “I urge corporate organizations, governments at all levels, and well-meaning Nigerians to support this noble endeavor.”
The President of the Organizing Committee, Dr. Lanre Alfred, underscored the significance of these high-caliber endorsements, particularly Senator Abiru’s, in elevating the profile of the tournament. “With such formidable personalities backing this initiative, the South West Games 2025 is positioned to redefine regional sports development,” Alfred said. “This isn’t just about competition—it’s about creating a thriving ecosystem for sports, boosting investments, and harnessing the boundless potential of young Nigerian athletes.”
Corporate support for the tournament has also been formidable. Financial heavyweights such as First Bank and United Bank for Africa (UBA), alongside energy giant Aiteo, have pledged their backing, recognizing the immense commercial and developmental opportunities embedded in the event. Additional endorsements have come from key stakeholders, including Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab; National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) Director-General, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe (OON); business magnates Julius Rone and Solaye Jeremi
With momentum building and the countdown officially underway, expectations are soaring for what promises to be a defining moment in Nigeria’s sports history. The South West Games 2025, buoyed by Abiru’s emphatic endorsement and the unwavering support of an elite cohort of stakeholders, is more than just a tournament—it is a movement. It is a clarion call to harness the unifying and developmental power of sports to empower youth, drive economic vibrancy, and forge stronger communal ties across the region.
As the South West prepares to host this landmark event, the resounding message from all stakeholders is clear: the future of sports in Nigeria is bright, and with the right support, it can serve as a catalyst for a more prosperous and united nation.
