S/West Games strategic to NSC’s devt plans, says Olopade

Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olapade, has described the maiden South West Games, billed to hold in Lagos in March, as strategic to NSC’s efforts to develop the country’s sports sector.

Lagos State will host the inaugural edition of the South West Games with Ondo, Ekiti, Ogun, Oyo, Ekiti and the hosts vying for honours in several disciplines.

The NSC-endorsed games is being organised by the region in partnership with Practagali Limited. A sub-tournament of the Games, the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Southwest Alliance Games (BAT-SWAG), will serve as a platform to unearth and nurture the region’s next generation of sporting talents, the organisers have said.

Speaking on the importance of the South West Games and other regional efforts across the country, Olopade applauded the organisers for giving the region’s youths opportunity to showcase their skills and also gauge their development against their peers.

“The South West Games 2025 and the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Southwest Alliance Games are not mere contests of athletic prowess; they are platforms for youth engagement, talent discovery, and community unity. The NSC recognises the immense potential of this initiative to elevate sports development and nation-building.”

He noted that beyond the spectacle of competition, these Games will become conduits for leadership growth, skill development, and economic stimulation across the region. He pledged NSC’s support in providing technical expertise, logistical assistance and strategic direction to ensure the tournament meets international standards.

“By uniting people through sports, the Games will not only elevate the competitive landscape of the region but will also serve as an engine for fostering resilience, discipline, and social cohesion,” Olopade remarked.

He lauded Practagali Limited for its visionary leadership in conceiving the initiative, stressing that the synergy between government and private stakeholders will be crucial in redefining the Southwest as a veritable hub of sporting excellence.

Speaking on the state’s preparedness to host the Games, Director General, Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, expressed confidence in the state’s ability to deliver a spectacle worthy of its name.

“Hosting the inaugural Bola Ahmed Tinubu Southwest Alliance Games is a reaffirmation of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s unwavering commitment to sports development. Lagos has consistently championed the cause of athletic excellence, making it the perfect launchpad for this historic initiative.”

Also speaking on the event, the organising committee’s spokesman, Victor Ganzallo, described BAT-SWAG as a potent tool to channel the energies of youth into productive ventures, particularly in an era where social vices lurk as omnipresent threats. “Sports possess an unparalleled power to transform lives, and BAT-SWAG is designed to harness this power to inspire, uplift, and empower young people.”

“The legacy of BAT-SWAG will be measured not just in the moments of triumph on the field but in the opportunities it creates, the lives it transforms, and the communities it uplifts. This is more than a sporting event; it is a movement,” he said.

Managing Director of Practagali, Funmilola Adedipe, explained that the Games are designed to be more than just an exhibition of athletic prowess, saying that it would be a blueprint for youth engagement, grassroots talent development, and the cultivation of a robust sporting culture within the region.
Adedipe said: “The South West Games will not only provide a podium for young athletes to shine but will also catalyze the creation of a sustainable ecosystem where sports serve as a gateway to economic empowerment, education, and career advancement.”

The competition will see athletes vying for honours in athletics (track and field), basketball, boxing, football, table tennis and traditional African games such as Ayo-Olopon and Abula.

Adedipe added that to ensure inclusivity, the Games will also feature adaptive sports, ensuring that athletes with disabilities are afforded equal platform to showcase their skills.

According to Adedipe, the Games will go beyond the fanfare of medals and trophiesto leave an enduring imprint on the socio-economic fabric of the region.
“The influx of athletes, spectators, and corporate sponsors is expected to invigorate local economies, drive infrastructural enhancements, and foster an enduring culture of sports patronage.

“Moreover, as the Games become institutionalised, it will serve as a breeding ground for future Olympians, national team prospects, and international sports icons,” Adedipe said.