Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has thrown his full weight behind the Southwest Games 2025, describing the tournament as a revolutio
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has thrown his full weight behind the Southwest Games 2025, describing the tournament as a revolutionary initiative that will unlock unprecedented opportunities for youth empowerment and socioeconomic development in the region.
Adeleke gave this glowing endorsement while receiving the President of the Southwest Games 2025, Lanre Alfred, and members of the Organising Committee, Victor Alaba Ganzallo, Kayode Oluwaseyi Alfred and Dehinde Fajana at the State House in Osun, where he was presented with a customized tournament jersey alongside his deputy, Prince Kola Adewusi.
The Governor, visibly excited about the upcoming sporting extravaganza, pledged his unwavering support and promised to grace the event in person when it kicks off later this month, precisely March 25, 2025.
“The SouthWest Games 2025 is a groundbreaking initiative that will redefine the future of sports and youth development in our region. Sports have the extraordinary ability to uplift young people, offering them a pathway to greatness, discipline, and self-actualization. I am immensely proud to endorse this noble cause and will be there live to witness history in the making,” Adeleke declared.
Adeleke, known for his passionate commitment to youth development and grassroots engagement, commended the vision behind the Southwest Games, emphasizing that the tournament aligns with his administration’s broader agenda of fostering economic growth and creating opportunities for young talents in Osun State and beyond.
“Sports provides more than entertainment; it is a powerful vehicle for economic advancement. This tournament will not only birth new sporting champions but will also serve as an economic driver, stimulating commerce, tourism, and employment opportunities for our people. Osun is ready to be part of this revolutionary journey,” the governor stated.
The Southwest Games 2025 is set to host 1,200 athletes and 120 officials in a grand display of talent and skill across multiple sporting disciplines. One of its key highlights is the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Southwest Alliance Games (BATSWAG), a dedicated sub-tournament aimed at nurturing young athletes under the age of 18. Governor Adeleke underscored the significance of this initiative, lauding its potential to cultivate the next generation of world-class athletes.
“Investing in young athletes is investing in the future of Nigeria. With the right platform, mentorship, and exposure, these young stars will go on to shatter records and bring pride to our nation. The South West Games will serve as a springboard for the emergence of future Olympic and global sports icons,” he asserted.
Beyond the sporting arena, Governor Adeleke highlighted the broader socio-economic impact of the Games, pointing out that it will create a ripple effect of opportunities across various sectors. He noted that from hospitality to local businesses, artisans, and media, the tournament would generate substantial revenue and employment.
“A vibrant sports industry can be a game-changer for our economy. This tournament will drive increased patronage of local businesses, hotels, and restaurants, while also creating job opportunities for vendors, artisans, and service providers. Osun is proud to be part of this initiative that brings prosperity and progress,” he added.
Similarly, the Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, officially endorsed the highly anticipated Southwest Games 2025, set to take place later this month, between 25th to 28th March 2025, in Lagos State. he lauded the tournament as a visionary platform for youth empowerment, talent discovery, and sports development across the region and the nation at large.
Wahab made these assertions while receiving Alfred, and members of the Organising Committee in his office. He described the Southwest Games as an epochal sporting event and a transformative movement that will redefine the future of athletics in Nigeria.
“This tournament is not just about crowning winners; it is about creating a generation of disciplined, resilient, and ambitious youths who see sports as a vehicle for personal and national development. It is a golden opportunity for young talents to refine their skills, build character, and aspire for greatness. I am proud to stand behind this initiative that aligns perfectly with our vision of youth development and excellence,” he stated.
He further underscored the profound role of sports in fostering unity across communities, emphasizing that the Southwest Games will serve as a unifying force, bringing together athletes from different backgrounds under a common purpose.
“Sports has a unique power to break barriers and foster unity. This tournament will be a melting pot of cultures, where young athletes will not only compete but also forge lasting friendships and develop a spirit of sportsmanship. The Southwest Games will serve as a launchpad for future icons, equipping them with the exposure and experience needed to shine on the global stage,” Wahab noted.
“Every great athlete starts with a single opportunity. The Southwest Games is that platform that gives young boys and girls the chance to dream beyond their limitations. With the right support and exposure, these young athletes can rise beyond expectations, shattering records and bringing pride to their families and the nation. Investing in youth sports is investing in the future of Nigeria’s sporting dominance,” Wahab remarked.
Beyond the competitive aspect of the Games, Wahab highlighted the broader economic and cultural benefits, noting its potential to drive tourism, generate employment, and stimulate local businesses.
“Sports is a billion-dollar industry that, when harnessed correctly, can uplift entire economies. This tournament will not only produce sporting champions but also create a ripple effect of economic growth—hotels will be filled, vendors will profit, businesses will thrive, and our people will experience the joy of a grand sporting festival. The Southwest Games is a catalyst for socio-economic transformation,” he asserted.
He also emphasized the importance of government and private sector collaboration in sustaining such initiatives, urging more corporate organizations and philanthropists to invest in the Games. “The future of sports in Nigeria cannot be left to chance; it requires deliberate investment and commitment. I call on corporate bodies, well-meaning individuals, and sports enthusiasts to rally behind this initiative. Together, we can build a legacy of excellence that will resonate for generations to come,” Wahab added.
With Wahab’s endorsement, the Southwest Games 2025 continues to gain momentum, having already secured the backing of notable figures including His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Aremo Olusegun Osoba (CFR), Bashorun Dele Momodu, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe (OON), Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, Dr. Julius Rone OFR, Chief Segun Odegbami (MON), and Chief Amaju Pinnick, among others which also includes banking giants, United Bank for Africa, UBA, First Bank of Nigeria.
As excitement builds towards the March 25–28 kick-off, the Southwest Games 2025 stands as a beacon of hope, opportunity, and excellence, championing a new era of sports development in Nigeria. With each endorsement, the tournament cements its place as a premier platform for nurturing talent, fostering unity, and advancing Nigeria’s sports industry.
Wahab and Alfred
