Alfred is determined to ensure that every young talent in the South West is given a platform and an opportunity to thrive
How Lanre Alfred is impacting South West youths with sports
Media consultant and accomplished journalist, Dr Lanre Alfred, has made an indelible mark on the sporting scene with the South West Games 2025.
What has further seen accolades flying all around Alfred’s achievement with the games is the impact the movement, which is driven by the revolutionary power of sports, has gotten several young Nigerians participating in the three day sporting event.
“Football is not just a game—it’s a universal language that unites people, transcending age, ethnicity, and class barriers,” Alfred asserted.
Alfred further noted that for him, the sporting event is an avenue to address the daunting challenges facing young people in the South West, from limited exposure to socio-economic struggles.
He also noted at the core of the game lies the Bola Ahmed Tinubu South West Alliance Games (BATSWAG), a sub-tournament designed to mirror the legacy of President Tinubu.
With BATSWAG, Alfred hopes to celebrate Tinubu’s visionary leadership while providing a platform for young talents to dream, achieve, and inspire others.
As the President, Organising Committee, of the recently concluded maiden edition of the South West Games, Alfred is determined to ensure that every young talent in the South West is given a platform and an opportunity to thrive.
“This role is an opportunity to create lasting change through sports. I am determined to ensure that every young talent in the South West is given a fair shot at greatness,” he said.
Continuing, Alfred said:“I can confidently say that the highpoint of the Games was the overwhelming support and goodwill we received from visionary leaders who understand the crucial role sports play in youth development and regional integration.
“On a personal note, one of the most defining and emotional moments for me was witnessing the passion and feverish participation of the over 1,200 teenagers who competed in the Games. Their zeal was both inspiring and moving—I almost cried as I watched them pour their hearts into the competition. For many of them, this was more than just a tournament; it was a lifeline, a shot at developing their sports talents, and an opportunity to actualise their dreams of making something meaningful out of their lives. Seeing them shriek with joy at victory and break down in heartbreak at loss, I couldn’t help but reflect on how vital this initiative is for their future.
“Here were our youths—the leaders of tomorrow—engaged in something productive, positive, and inspiring. The South West Games must continue as an annual event, and I urge all state governments and sports administrators in the region to recognise its immense value.”
Also noteworthy, states Alfred, is the immense support received from Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Hon. Gbajabiamila threw open his doors to the Organising Committee and also wholeheartedly embraced the South West Games and everything it represents. “He saw in this initiative a golden opportunity to provide our youth with exposure to trainers, sponsors, and agents who could catapult them onto national and international sporting platforms.”
The sporting event had the support of the governors of Lagos State, which played host, Ogun State, Oyo State, Ondo State, and Osun State. The states ensured young athletes numbering 1,200 gathered in Lagos for the sporting event.
Unlike conventional tournaments, the South West Games 2025 offers a unique bridge between grassroots sports and professional leagues. With a focus on under-18 teams, particularly those from grassroots backgrounds, the Games will provide a rare opportunity for emerging talents to compete alongside established players.
Also at the games were side attractions that included performances by Wasiu Alabi Pasuma, Saheed Osupa, Gbenga Adeyinka 1st, the Army Band and theatre art troupe.
How Alfred is impacting South West youths with sports | By Gbenga Bada published by (c) The Nations
