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,