● How Chief of Staff to President Tinubu Earned His Place as an Exemplar of Sports Development, Youth Empowerment
A roaring ovation. A name sung in admiration. A legacy cemented in the hallowed grounds of Nigerian sports. On the grand stage of the South West Games 2025, beneath the floodlights of Onikan Stadium, one man stood at the epicentre of history—Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.
Crowned Champion of Grassroots Sports, Gbajabiamila’s invaluable contributions as a policymaker and visionary advancing the cause of Nigerian athletics resonated through the sports complex. His recognition at the Games exceeds the random token of a mere accolade, it was the manifestation of years of toil, a tribute to his relentless pursuit of excellence in sports and his steadfast commitment to nurturing young talents.
Femi Gbajabiamila’s journey as a sports development advocate is as compelling as it is inspiring. From his tenure as Speaker of the House of Representatives to his current role as Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, he has consistently championed initiatives that foster youth participation in sports. His vision transcends the mere spectacle of competition; it is rooted in the belief that sports serve as a catalyst for national unity, character-building, and socio-economic transformation.
Under his stewardship, grassroots sports development has flourished. He has sponsored numerous sporting competitions, facilitated the rehabilitation of sports facilities, and championed policies that provide a robust framework for talent identification and nurturing. His legislative contributions have paved the way for increased government investment in youth sports, ensuring that young talents from the remotest corners of Nigeria have access to opportunities that can catapult them onto the global stage.
For Gbajabiamila, sports are more than games; they are instruments of societal progress. His policies and programs have been instrumental in using sports as a vehicle for social change. Through various youth empowerment initiatives, he has provided platforms for young Nigerians to hone their skills, instilling discipline, resilience, and excellence—values that extend beyond the tracks and fields into every facet of life.
His recognition at the South West Games 2025 was, therefore, a fitting tribute to a man whose unwavering dedication has transformed the grassroots sports sector. As he stood before the adoring crowd at Onikan Stadium, his name etched in gold among the pantheon of sports visionaries, it was clear that his influence transcends politics—it is a legacy woven into the very fabric of Nigerian athletics.
The South West Games 2025 was a spectacle of athletic prowess, a three-day festival that brought together the finest sporting talents across the region. It was a celebration of excellence, but among the pantheon of honorees, Gbajabiamila’s name gleamed with singular brilliance. Alongside him, other luminaries were honored, each recognized for their indelible contributions to sports development.
Billionaire magnate Femi Otedola was lauded as the Grand Patron of Athletic Excellence, a nod to his unfaltering support for Nigerian athletics. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu was celebrated as the Grand Patron of Sports Leadership & Excellence, an acknowledgment of his transformation of Lagos into a hub for sports development. The roll call of honorees included distinguished figures such as Senator Adeola Yayi CON, Dr. Mike Adenuga Jr., Hon. Kunle Soname, and Senator Tokunbo Abiru—each a colossus in their own right, shaping the future of Nigerian sports.
Yet, in the constellation of greatness, Gbajabiamila’s recognition as Champion of Grassroots Sports was uniquely profound. It was a salute to a statesman who understands that the true strength of a nation is forged in its youth, nurtured through discipline, and honed on the proving grounds of sports. His advocacy has not only provided Nigerian youth with avenues to excel but has redefined the ethos of sports development in the country.
As the final echoes of the South West Games 2025 resounded through the Onikan Stadium, Gbajabiamila’s name was enshrined in the annals of Nigerian sports history. His investiture was more than a recognition; it was a reaffirmation of his unwavering commitment to nurturing future champions.
With the Champion of Grassroots Sports Award now adorning his mantle, his legacy continues to inspire—a clarion call to all stakeholders to invest in the dreams of the youth. He remains a guiding light, illuminating the path for countless young Nigerians who dare to dream, run, and triumph. His story is not just one of accolades but of impact, of a relentless pursuit of excellence that will shape generations to come.
Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila is, and will always be, a champion of the people—his legacy engraved in every sprint, every victory, and every young athlete who dares to believe in the boundless power of sports.