President’s Chief Of Staff, Gbajabiamila Highlights Gains In Backing South West Games 2025, Says “More Than Just A Sporting Event”

Femi Gbajabiamila, the President’s Chief of Staff and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, has underscored the far-reaching benefits of the upcoming South West Games 2025, emphasizing that it is more than just a sporting event in a meeting with Dr. Lanre Alfred, President of the Organizing Committee.

The meeting took place at At the Presidential Villa on March 19, 2025.

Gbajabiamila described the talk-of-the-town as a strategic initiative to drive youth empowerment, regional integration, and economic growth across the South West.

Gbajabiamila noted that sports have always been a powerful unifying force in a country as diverse as Nigeria. He stressed that the tournament would provide a platform for discovering and nurturing young talents while fostering stronger communal ties among the participating states.

 “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.”

His endorsement further cements the growing importance of the South West Games 2025, which has already garnered support from key political and traditional leaders, sports icons, and corporate organizations. The initiative has received 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. The Ooni of Ife, HRM Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and other traditional rulers have also pledged their support, recognizing the cultural and historical significance of the event.

Beyond political and traditional endorsements, sports stakeholders have also hailed the tournament as a groundbreaking moment for sports development in the region. Football legend Segun Odegbami (MON) and former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Amaju Pinnick have praised the initiative, while corporate sponsors such as AITEO, First Bank, and United Bank for Africa (UBA) have thrown their weight behind it.

A key highlight of the event is the Bola Ahmed Tinubu South West Alliance Games (BATSWAG), a sub-event focused on grooming young athletes under 18. Gbajabiamila described BATSWAG as a timely investment in Nigeria’s youth and a step toward fulfilling President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of youth development and national unity.

 “BATSWAG 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,” he remarked. “It is also a fitting tribute to President Tinubu, whose vision for an integrated and prosperous South West continues to shape policies and initiatives across the region.”

Beyond sports, Gbajabiamila highlighted how the South West Games 2025 will serve as a catalyst for economic activities, boosting tourism, hospitality, and job creation in fields such as sports management and event coordination.

Dr. Lanre Alfred, President of the Organizing Committee, expressed confidence that with such strong backing from influential figures and corporate sponsors, the South West Games 2025 would 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.

As the countdown to March 26–28, 2025, continues, expectations are at an all-time high. With widespread support from government leaders, traditional rulers, sports icons, and corporate institutions, the South West Games 2025 is poised to be a legacy-defining event, reinforcing sports as a vehicle for development, empowerment, and unity in Nigeria.