Lagos State Governor and Chairman of the South-West Governors Forum, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sports development as the state prepares to host the maiden edition of the South-West Games (SOWEGA).
Scheduled to take place from March 26 to 28, 2025, the event will bring together athletes from Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti to compete in various sporting activities across multiple venues, including Teslim Balogun Stadium, Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Rowe Park, and Yaba College of Education.
During a courtesy visit by the South-West Games 2025 Committee at the Lagos House in Marina yesterday, Sanwo-Olu assured the organizers and participants of the state’s readiness to provide safe and well-equipped sporting facilities for the competition.
Speaking at the event, the governor described the South-West Games as a platform for social inclusion, youth engagement, and healthy competition.
READ ALSO: FG converts TASUED to federal university
He emphasised that the tournament would serve as an opportunity to redirect young people’s energy towards positive and creative endeavors.
“Lagos will remain a rallying point for fostering social inclusion, youth development, and creating an enabling environment for sound minds. Through sports, we can engage young people, nurture talent, and promote community development,” he said.
Governor Sanwo-Olu also commended the organizers for initiating the competition and pledged the Lagos State Government’s full support for its successful execution.
In his remarks, Olanrewaju Alfred, President of the South-West Games 2025 Committee, lauded Sanwo-Olu for his visionary leadership and investment in key sectors, particularly sports infrastructure.
He described the maiden South-West Games as a major step toward youth empowerment and development.
“The South-West Games is not just a tournament; it is a vehicle for youth empowerment, talent discovery, and regional unity,” Alfred said.
Accompanied by his team, he explained that their visit was to formally notify the governor, in his capacity as the Chairman of the South-West Governors Forum, about the upcoming games.
READ ALSO: We’ll defend ourselves against herdsmen attacks, IPOB tells Police
Also speaking at the event, the Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, emphasised that the tournament would serve as a platform to discover and nurture sporting talents among young athletes in the region.
