LAGOS STATE SPORTS COMMISSION, PRACTAGALI PARTNERS UNVEIL PLANS FOR INAUGURAL BOLA AHMED TINUBU SOUTHWEST ALLIANCE GAMES

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

The Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) and Practagali Partners, organisers of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu South West Alliance Games (BAT SWAG), have announced that the inaugural edition of the games will be hosted in Lagos.

BATSWAG, a unifying sports initiative led by Practagali Partners, is designed to discover emerging under-18 athletes from across the Southwest region., encourage mass participation in sports, and provide opportunities for talented athletes to showcase their skills and build a career in sports.

Scheduled for March 2025, the highly anticipated competition will bring together promising young talents from Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Ekiti, to compete in various sporting disciplines, including Athletics (Track & Field), Basketball, Boxing, Football, Table Tennis, traditional African games Ayo-Olopon and Abula. BATSWAG aims to promote youth development, stimulate sports participation, and encourage inclusivity through adaptive sports.

The event will showcase the immense sporting potential within the Southwestern region while creating opportunities for budding athletes to shine on a regional stage.

Speaking on the upcoming tournament, the Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr. Lekan Fatodu, expressed enthusiasm about Lagos being identified as the state where the event will be hosted: “Hosting the inaugural edition of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Southwest Alliance Games in Lagos is an honour, and it speaks volumes about the support and commitment of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to sports over the years, which has laid the foundation and created many opportunities and resources for Lagos to be the ideal location for any great sporting events.

The future of sports in the South-West region is bright, and the BAT SWAG Games will undoubtedly serve as a springboard for young athletes aiming for national and international success.”

Ms. Funmilola Adedipe, Managing Director of Practagali Partners, highlighted the broader impact of the event, noting that it aims to promote positive engagement among youth and rescue them from the grip of social vices prevalent in society.

According to her, “the BAT SWAG Games will not only nurture talent but also serve as a vital tool for social reformation, using sports as a vehicle for development, empowerment, and hope.”

Adedipe also highlighted the significance of Practagali Partners’ collaboration with the Lagos State Government, noting that the partnership will create sustainable opportunities for youth and further the cause of grassroots sports development across the region. “This partnership with Lagos as the host state will bolster efforts to engage youth meaningfully, and we look forward to discovering new talents that can potentially represent Nigeria on the global stage,” Adedipe added.

The Bola Ahmed Tinubu Southwest Alliance Games is expected to be a remarkable event, showcasing the wealth of talent within the region. The competition will draw in large crowds, enhance community spirit, and create a legacy of sports participation that will impact future generations. By being chosen as the host state, Lagos further solidifies its reputation as a hub for sports development and excellence.

DABIRI-EREWA DESCRIBES SAMSON DAUDA’S VICTORY AS TRIUMPH OF DEDICATION

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

Hon. (Dr) Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), has congratulated Nigerian-British bodybuilder Samson Dauda for winning the 2024 Mr Olympia bodybuilding title, securing more than $600,000—the largest prize in the sport’s history.

Dauda emerged victorious at the finale held at Resorts World Theatre, Las Vegas, beating top competitors Hadi Choopan, who placed second, and Derek Lunsford, the 2023 champion, who finished third.

Dabiri-Erewa in a message through the Commission ‘s Head of Media and Public Relations, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, praised Dauda’s extraordinary journey, from his early years in Lagos to his rise in professional bodybuilding, noting that his win is a moment of pride for Nigerians globally.

“This achievement showcases the excellence Nigerians in the diaspora continue to display across various sectors. Samson Dauda has proven that with focus and perseverance, success is inevitable,” she said.

Born in Lagos, Dauda moved to the United Kingdom as a teenager, where he transitioned from rugby to bodybuilding.

His professional journey took off after winning the IFBB Amateur Diamond Cup in Rome in 2017. Dauda has since demonstrated consistent growth, culminating in his Mr Olympia title.

NiDCOM continues to celebrate and support the achievements of Nigerians abroad, reaffirming its commitment to promoting their talents and contributions to global development.

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has condemned the treatment meted out to the Super Eagles team by Libya authorities ahead of its second leg match slated for Tuesday in the country.

She noted that travelling by road in Libya is most dangerous and totally not advisable because of the current situation in the country.

The team which left Nigeria on Sunday to Libya for its return match had their flight diverted to an innocuous airport far away from the venue of the match.

The implication of the diversion will now be another three hours of road travel to the main venue of the match, not minding the risk of road travel in Libya , considering the situation of the war-torn country.

Dabiri-Erewa said the safety of Nigerian players is paramount to the country, and was optimistic that the Ministry of Sports and the NFF will advice appropriately.

She also called on CAF to treat the matter with the seriousness it deserves.

Already, the players, the pilots and others on board the flight had been stranded and subjected to inhuman treatment at the airport for over 13 hours without water, food, rest and other means of communication.

“The team were delayed at an airport in Libya for more than 13 hours without any tangible reason” The Super Eagles flight was redirected air borne on Sunday and they were required to travel by road to their destination.

However, there was no provision made for them by the Libya authorities and all efforts to make alternative provisions by Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) was frustrated.

Dabiri-Erewa appealed to the Super Eagles to remain calm why the Nigerian Football Federation will decide the next line of action.