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Tag: Lanre Alfred

  • Southwest Games’ committee felicitates new leadership of SWDC

    Southwest Games’ committee felicitates new leadership of SWDC

    The Organising Committee of the Southwest Games has hailed the newly appointed leadership of the Southwest Development Commission (SWDC).

    A statement issued on Thursday by the Chairman of the Games, Mr. Lanre Alfred, described the appointments as a bold and progressive step toward unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s Southwest region.

     Alfred applauded the appointment of Dr. Charles Akinola as SWDC’s inaugural Managing Director, describing Akinola’s appointment as “a masterstroke by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and a solid foundation for the Commission’s journey toward institutional credibility, regional empowerment, and appreciable impact.”

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    “We at the Southwest Games warmly congratulate Dr. Charles Akinola on his well-deserved appointment as Managing Director of the Southwest Development Commission,” Alfred said. “Dr. Akinola brings with him a rich legacy of innovation, vision, and public service. His experience as a policy expert, development consultant, and former Chief of Staff to the Osun State Government puts him in a unique position to lead the Commission into an era of practical relevance and institutional excellence.”

     Alfred also congratulated Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi on his appointment as the Chairman of the Southwest Development Commission.

    ”A distinguished economist, accomplished legislator, and patriotic statesman, Senator Adetunmbi brings a wealth of experience rooted in both technocratic discipline and democratic service. With an illustrious career spanning the private and public sectors, including multiple terms in the Nigerian Senate where he championed fiscal federalism, infrastructure equity, and regional development, his leadership style is defined by deep intellect, policy clarity, and unwavering commitment to the Southwest’s advancement.”

    ”Senator Adetunmbi, as a tested and trusted figure whose voice has consistently resonated with the yearnings of the Southwest region, we at the Southwest Games see in Senator Adetunmbi a chairman of exceptional insight, one who will bring cohesion to the board and institutional stability to the Commission’s mission. His pedigree in legislative leadership and economic development gives us strong confidence that he will provide the visionary oversight needed to complement Dr. Charles Akinola’s executive capacity. With Senator Adetunmbi at the helm of the board, the Southwest Development Commission is well-positioned to become a benchmark of efficiency, transparency, and regional progress.”

    Alfred noted that the Southwest Games, as a unifying and high-profile sporting platform, considers the establishment of the SWDC a significant milestone in the journey toward addressing long-standing regional developmental challenges, ranging from infrastructure deficits and educational gaps to youth unemployment and economic stagnation.

    “We view the emergence of the SWDC not merely as another federal bureaucracy, but as a vehicle of hope and action for the good people of Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Oyo states. The Southwest has always been a hub of ideas, talents, and innovation, and we trust that under the stewardship of Dr. Akinola, the Commission will harness these strengths to deliver measurable progress,” Alfred stated.

     The Southwest Games, which attract thousands of athletes, fans, corporate sponsors, and policy stakeholders across the region and beyond, have long advocated for an institutional framework that ensures equitable regional development. Alfred emphasized that the Commission’s strategic mandate is well-aligned with the broader vision of the Southwest Games, which is to build community, celebrate excellence, and develop young people through sports and culture.

    “Sport is development. It is education. It is diplomacy. It is healthy. It is unity. And most importantly, it is empowerment,” Alfred declared. “We strongly believe that the Southwest Development Commission will see the value in using platforms like the Southwest Games as powerful tools for youth engagement, social reengineering, and regional integration.”

    He added: “We therefore assure the new board, under the capable leadership of Sen. Adetunmbi and Dr. Akinola, of our unflinching support, partnership, and goodwill. We are offering our platforms, our networks, our energy, and our ideas in service of the Commission’s mandate.”

     Alfred also extended commendations to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for demonstrating political will in bringing the Southwest Development Commission to life, and to the National Assembly for the bipartisan support that ensured the swift passage of the enabling legislation.

     “It is commendable that this administration is not just talking about true federalism but is actively working to institutionalize regional development in concrete terms. The establishment of the SWDC is a testament to that vision. And we applaud every stakeholder who played a role in bringing this to reality,” he noted.

  • How Alfred is impacting South West youths with sports

    How 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.

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    “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.