Sanwo-Olu endorses event as states arrive for opening ceremony

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has described the South-West Games 2025, which begins on Wednesday, as a development with the potential to redefine sports development in the region, while fostering unity, economic empowerment, and youth engagement.

Sanwo-Olu’s endorsement amplifies the growing momentum around the highly anticipated tournament, which has already garnered backing from key political figures, sports legends, and corporate sponsors.

Sanwo-Olu emphasised the anticipated positive impact of the South West Games 2025 on young athletes and communities alike. Describing the event as a “springboard for emerging talents and a rallying point for regional cohesion,” he highlighted its far-reaching implications beyond just athletic competition.

“For decades, the South West has been a hub of sporting excellence, and this event will provide a structured avenue to nurture the next generation of champions,” Sanwo-Olu remarked.

Scheduled to hold from Wednesday to March 28, 2025, the South West Games 2025 will feature over 1,200 athletes and 120 officials across multiple sporting disciplines, making it one of the largest regional tournaments in recent history.

One of the standout highlights of the event is the Bola Ahmed Tinubu South-West Alliance Games (BATSWAG), designed to develop young talents under 18.

Corroborating Sanwo-Olu, the Director General, Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), Lekan Fatodu, enthused that the tournament is one of kind as it offers a platform to discover, showcase and nurture sporting talents in the South-West region.
“Lagos is proud to host this landmark sports fiesta and the LSSC has fully committed its resources to enabling the success of the tournament,” he said.
Beyond the sporting spectacle, Fatodu stressed the socio-economic benefits of the event, urging corporate entities and stakeholders to embrace the initiative.

“As modern developments have shown, sports have evolved beyond an ordinary pastime of enthusiasts; it has grown into a burgeoning industry with the capacity to create jobs, drive investments, and spur lasting growth in communities.” He further underscored the role of sports in fostering discipline and leadership among young people.”

The President of the Organising Committee, Dr. Lanre Alfred, acknowledged Governor Sanwo-Olu’s endorsement as a defining moment for the South-West Games 2025.

“Aside from being the chief host of the event, having a leader of his stature champion this initiative elevates its significance,” Alfred noted.

https://guardian.ng/sport/south-west-games-opens-wednesday/