Today, at the Presidential Villa, Gbajabiamila, a seasoned lawmaker and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, emphasized the unifying potential of sports in a country as diverse as Nigeria. Speaking on the importance of the South West Games 2025, he highlighted how the tournament would serve as a platform for discovering and nurturing young talents while fostering stronger communal ties among states in the region.
“The South West Games 2025 is more than just a sporting event; it is a strategic intervention that will promote regional integration, inspire the youth, and create economic opportunities,” Gbajabiamila stated. “Sports have always been a unifying force, breaking barriers and bringing people together irrespective of background. This tournament will showcase athletic excellence and also reinforce the values of teamwork, discipline, and resilience.”
Gbajabiamila’s endorsement adds to a growing list of influential stakeholders rallying behind the South West Games 2025, further elevating its profile as one of the most significant sporting events in Nigeria’s recent history. The tournament has also received strong backing from Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Osun State Governor Senator Ademola Adeleke, former Ogun State Governor Aremo Olusegun Osoba (CFR), and Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru. Traditional rulers, including the Ooni of Ife, HRM Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, have also thrown their support behind the event, underscoring its cultural and historical significance.
Beyond political leaders, sports icons and industry stakeholders have also lined up in support. Football legend Segun Odegbami (MON) and former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Amaju Pinnick have hailed the tournament as a groundbreaking initiative for sports development in the region. Corporate institutions, including AITEO, First Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA), and energy giant Aiteo, have also pledged sponsorship, recognizing the economic and social impact of the event.
One of the highlights of the South West Games 2025 is the Bola Ahmed Tinubu South West Alliance Games (BATSWAG), a sub-event tailored to groom young athletes under the age of 18. Gbajabiamila described BATSWAG as a timely initiative that aligns with President Tinubu’s vision of youth development and national unity.
Commenting BATSWAG, Gbajabiamila described it as a worthy investment in the youth and the future. BATSWAG, he said, will create an enabling environment for young athletes to hone their skills, compete at the highest level, and position themselves for greater opportunities in national and international sporting arenas. It is also a fitting tribute to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose vision for an integrated, prosperous South West continues to shape policies and initiatives across the region, he noted.
Beyond sports, the South West Games 2025 is poised to deliver significant economic and social benefits. Gbajabiamila highlighted how the tournament will serve as an engine for local economic activities, from hospitality and tourism to job creation for young professionals in sports management, event coordination, and allied industries.
The President of the Organizing Committee, Dr. Lanre Alfred, expressed confidence that with such strong backing from high-profile personalities and corporate sponsors, the South West Games 2025 will be a landmark event in Nigeria’s sports history. “We are witnessing an unprecedented level of support, and this will undoubtedly translate into an event that not only celebrates athletic excellence but also transforms lives and communities,” Alfred said. “With all hands on deck, we are setting the stage for a tournament that will be talked about for years to come.”
As the countdown to March 26-28, 2025, continues, stakeholders are reaffirming their commitment to ensuring that the South West Games 2025 becomes a legacy-defining event. The unified endorsements from Gbajabiamila and other prominent figures send a clear message: the South West is ready to leverage sports as a vehicle for development, empowerment, and unity.
With the South West Games 2025 now enjoying overwhelming support from government leaders, traditional rulers, sports icons, and corporate institutions, expectations are at an all-time high. It is not just a tournament—it is a movement, a rallying call to harness the power of sports to shape a more prosperous and cohesive Nigeria.
