● Honoured As Grand Patron of Athletic Excellence for His Impact on Nigerian Sports
● From Forgotten Heroes to Rising Stars, How Otedola is Rewriting Nigeria’s Sporting Legacy
There are moments in history when a single name rises above the chorus of applause, a name graven in the golden annals of legacy – bound to the fate of those who dare to dream. At the climax of the South West Games 2025, one such name reverberated across the sprawling tracts of the Onikan Stadium—Femi Otedola.
At the mere chant of his name, the evening shimmered with a rare grandeur. Under the glow of the stadium lights and the cheers of an ecstatic crowd, the stage was set for his coronation, first, among luminaries whose dedication to sports has been pivotal to unprecedented growth in the sector.
At the pinnacle of this grand investiture stood Otedola, the billionaire magnate and Chairman of First Holdings. His legacy of philanthropy and commitment to sports earned him the prestigious title of Grand Patron of Athletic Excellence. A man whose benevolence has revitalized the careers of forgotten sports legends and ignited the dreams of young athletes, Otedola’s contributions stretch beyond monetary endowments. He embodies a vision where sports serve as a bridge to opportunity, empowerment, and national pride.
It is for this reason that he was deemed worthy of the honour. Thus on March 28, 2025, as the closing ceremony of the South West Games 2025 unfurled at fever-pitch pace, Otedola’s name resounded appreciably through the stadium. More than a patron, more than a benefactor, Otedola has become the lodestar of Nigeria’s sporting renaissance, a titan whose heart beats in synchrony with the aspirations of athletes yearning for greatness. It was no surprise then, that amid the spectacle of lights, drums, and triumphant echoes of victory, he was adorned with the highest honor of the evening—the Grand Patron of Athletic Excellence.
As the final whistle sealed the spectacle of grit and grandeur, the stadium pulsed with unprecedented fervor. The South West Games 2025 had birthed a new era in grassroots sports, unveiling champions whose talents had been honed through fierce competition. But beyond the medals and the towering scoreboard, stood Otedola, whose contributions had transcended mere sponsorship and partnership with First Bank of Nigeria (FBN), a subsidiary of First Holdings, over which he presides.
For decades, Nigerian sports had languished in neglect, its heroes forgotten, its prodigies stranded at the crossroads of ambition and despair. Yet, Otedola, a man whose empire is built on enterprise and foresight, saw beyond the ruins. His interventions in sports development were not mere philanthropy; they were a sacred duty—a commitment to rewrite the destinies of athletes whose talents might have otherwise been left to wither.
Following closely in this parade of honour was Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President, who was conferred with the title of Champion of Grassroots Sports. His recognition was a salute to his relentless advocacy for youth development through athletics, ensuring that budding talents from the most unassuming backgrounds find a path to greatness. His support has fostered sports programs in schools and communities, planting the seeds of a robust athletic future for Nigeria.
There was a group of other deserving Nigerians, whose laurels were a testament to the revolutionary power of leadership and vision. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu was recognized as the Grand Patron of Sports Leadership & Excellence, a deserving tribute to his unwavering commitment to revitalizing grassroots sports. Under his administration, Lagos has flourished as a hub for budding athletes, with investments in world-class sporting infrastructure and initiatives that have provided young talents with platforms to compete on national and international stages.
Senator Adeola Yayi CON was bestowed with the title of Champion of Grassroots Sports, celebrating his steadfast support for youth athletics. His numerous initiatives have transformed young lives, proving that sports remain a formidable instrument for social mobility and nation-building.
Industrialist and philanthropist Dr. Mike Adenuga Jr. GCON, CSG, Cdr L.H. was honoured as the African Pillar of Sports, a title befitting a titan whose contributions to Nigerian and African sports have been both monumental and enduring. Through sponsorships, investments, and unwavering support for both active and retired athletes, Adenuga has shaped the very landscape of Nigerian sports. Accepting the award on his behalf, Bashorun Dele Momodu was also recognized as the Custodian of Sports Heritage, an acknowledgment of his tireless efforts in chronicling and preserving the legacies of Nigeria’s sporting greats.
The mantle of sports innovation was proudly donned by Hon. Kunle Soname, awarded the Torchbearer of Sports Innovation. His pioneering contributions to sports business, ownership of top football franchises, and investment in infrastructure have reshaped Nigerian athletics, ushering in a new era of professionalism and sustainable talent development.
The honours extended beyond individuals, recognizing visionary state leaders whose governance has propelled the southwest region to athletic prominence. Governor Dapo Abiodun MFR of Ogun State was celebrated as the Grand Patron of Southwest Sports, in acknowledgment of his administration’s remarkable investments in sports development. Meanwhile, Dr. Awele Elumelu was honoured for her groundbreaking contributions to sports health and wellness initiatives, ensuring that athletes receive world-class medical support and training.
Senator Tokunbo Abiru FCA received accolades as an Advocate for Youth Engagement Through Sports, standing as a champion for grassroots athletic programs that provide young people with opportunities for a brighter future. Media mogul Nduka Obaigbena, whose media empire has consistently highlighted and promoted Nigerian sports, was also recognized for his steadfast dedication to showcasing athletic excellence.
Governors Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), and Abiodun Oyebanji (Ekiti) were all honoured for their pivotal roles in fostering a thriving sporting culture in their respective states, cementing the southwest’s reputation as a cradle of extraordinary athletic talent.
Beyond the accolades, the evening’s true essence lay in the celebration of the athletes—the young men and women who had battled, conquered, and etched their names into the annals of history throughout the Games. Every race run, every goal scored, and every victory secured was a living testament to the unyielding spirit of the Nigerian youth.
Thus as the grand finale reached its fever pitch—a pulsating football showdown between Lagos and Ekiti States—another narrative was unfolding beyond the pitch. It was the story of a man whose generosity and commitment to sports development had set him apart.
It was only fitting that Otedola, the billionaire philanthropist and Chairman of First Holdings, was honoured as a staunch benefactor of sports; he was its guardian, a patron whose vision extended far beyond the fleeting moments of competition. His recognition as Grand Patron of Athletic Excellence was an acknowledgment of a legacy built on selfless investment in the future of Nigerian athletics.
