– Monarch Applauds Sporting Festival as Catalyst for Progress, Youth Empowerment

His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, the Ooni of Ife, has thrown his royal weight behind the highly anticipated South West Games 2025, describing it as a historic initiative that will foster youth empowerment, sports development, and cultural integration across the region.

The revered monarch gave his endorsement yesterday, while receiving the President of the Organising Committee, Akogun Lanre Alfred and his team.

He lauded the vision behind the tournament, emphasizing its profound role in revitalizing grassroots sports and preserving the rich cultural heritage of the South West.

“The South West Games 2025 is an initiative that will inspire our youth, unite our people, and showcase the strength of our region. This is a golden opportunity to nurture talent, create opportunities, and drive regional development through sports,” the Ooni stated.

Scheduled for later this month, March 2025, the tournament will bring together 1,200 athletes and 120 officials from all six South West states, offering a thrilling display of skill, endurance, and competition. The Ooni stressed that beyond the excitement of the tournament, the event serves as a strategic platform to enhance cultural ties and economic growth within the region.

“Sports has always been a unifying force, transcending boundaries and fostering friendships. The South West Games will elevate our sporting ecosystem, promote our heritage, and stimulate economic activities across our communities. It is a noble cause that deserves the full support of all stakeholders,” he added.

A major highlight of the Games is the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Southwest Alliance Games (BATSWAG), a special sub-tournament designed to nurture young athletes under the age of 18. This five-day event will feature competitions across seven sporting disciplines, positioning the South West as a breeding ground for future champions.

Expressing enthusiasm for the initiative, the Ooni described it as a vital step toward securing the sporting future of Nigeria. “Many great athletes were discovered at grassroots competitions like this. With the right support, the South West Games will produce the next generation of sports icons who will make Nigeria proud on the global stage,” he affirmed.

A passionate advocate of youth empowerment, the monarch also highlighted the role of sports in shaping national development, curbing social vices, and instilling discipline among young people.

“Sports is more than just a game; it is a tool for transformation. The South West Games presents a platform for thousands of young Nigerians to dream bigger, push boundaries, and achieve greatness. I urge corporate organizations, government agencies, and sports enthusiasts to support this initiative and help secure the future of our youth,” the Ooni stated.

The endorsement of the Ooni of Ife further strengthens the growing support for the South West Games 2025.

In recent weeks, notable figures such as Aremo Olusegun Osoba, Chief Dele Momodu, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe (OON), Segun Odegbami (MON), and Amaju Pinnick, among others, have also thrown their weight behind the event, underscoring its significance in reshaping grassroots sports in Nigeria.

With key stakeholders aligning behind the tournament, preparations for the South West Games 2025 are in full swing.

The Organising Committee, led by Dr. Alfred, has expressed profound gratitude for the widespread support and reaffirmed its commitment to delivering a world-class sporting spectacle that will redefine the landscape of Nigerian sports.

As momentum builds, the endorsement of the Ooni of Ife stands as a powerful testament to the potential of the South West Games, reinforcing its status as a beacon of hope for sports development, youth empowerment, and regional integration in Nigeria.