In March 2025, the National Sports Commission (NSC), in collaboration with Practagali Limited, will inaugurate the South West Games 2025. This event, featuring the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Southwest Alliance Games (BAT-SWAG) as a key component, aims to identify and nurture emerging athletic talents across Nigeria’s southwestern states: Ekiti, Lagos, Osun, Ondo, Ogun, and Oyo.
The NSC has expressed strong support for this initiative. Chairman Shehu Dikko highlighted the federal government’s commitment to sports development, referencing the unprecedented ₦78 billion allocation in the 2025 budget. He emphasized that this investment is designed to “advance and jumpstart the sports economy,” aligning with the broader objectives of the South West Games 2025.
Lagos State, renowned for its robust sports infrastructure and history of hosting major events, has been selected as the venue for the inaugural games. The Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, expressed confidence in the state’s capacity to deliver a world-class event, reaffirming Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s dedication to sports development.
Victor Ganzallo, spokesperson for BAT-SWAG, underscored the transformative power of sports in channeling youth energy towards productive endeavors, especially in an era where social challenges are prevalent. He stated, “Sports possess an unparalleled power to transform lives, and BAT-SWAG is designed to harness this power to inspire, uplift, and empower young people.”
Funmilola Adedipe, Managing Director of Practagali Partners, emphasized that the games are envisioned as more than a display of athletic prowess. They aim to serve as a blueprint for youth engagement, grassroots talent development, and the cultivation of a robust sporting culture within the region. She noted that the event would “catalyze the creation of a sustainable ecosystem where sports serve as a gateway to economic empowerment, education, and career advancement.”
The South West Games 2025 will feature a diverse array of sporting disciplines, including athletics, basketball, boxing, football, table tennis, and traditional African games such as Ayo-Olopon and Abula. In a commendable move towards inclusivity, the event will also incorporate adaptive sports, ensuring that athletes with disabilities have an equal platform to showcase their skills.
Beyond the competition, the games are expected to leave a lasting impact on the socio-economic fabric of the region. The influx of athletes, spectators, and corporate sponsors is anticipated to stimulate local economies, drive infrastructural enhancements, and foster a culture of sports patronage. Moreover, as the games become institutionalized, they will serve as a breeding ground for future Olympians, national team prospects, and international sports icons.
As the countdown to the South West Games 2025 begins, the collaborative efforts of the NSC, Practagali Limited, and the Lagos State Sports Commission mark a significant step towards redefining the southwestern region as a hub of sporting excellence. The event promises not only to celebrate athletic talent but also to unify communities and empower the youth, setting a precedent for future initiatives in Nigeria’s sports development landscape.
