The Director of Youth and Sports Development for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Ambassador Francis Njoaguani, has emphasized the crucial role sports play in fostering cooperation and unity among the 12 ECOWAS member states.
Speaking at the 13th ECOWAS African Wrestling Tournament, which kicked off on Thursday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium’s Velodrome in Abuja, Njoaguani highlighted that the event brings together wrestlers from across the region. A total of 55 athletes from 11 countries participated, with each nation sending five wrestlers and four technical officials. Cape Verde was the only member country absent from this year’s competition.
Njoaguani remarked that sports serve as a powerful tool for regional integration, strengthening ties between nations and showcasing the unifying power of sports. “This event unites wrestlers from all our member states, fostering collaboration and advancing the integration efforts ECOWAS advocates,” he said.
He also pointed out that 54% of the ECOWAS population consists of young people, stressing that sports are vital for economic development and engaging youth. “Sports not only unite participants but also drive economic growth,” he added. “We aim to use this tournament to promote the messages of integration and youth development, key elements in ECOWAS’s development and human capital goals.”
The Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, echoed these sentiments, reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to using sports as a platform for youth empowerment, regional cooperation, and economic development. He lauded traditional wrestling for its cultural significance, calling it a symbol of resilience, strength, and discipline, qualities that define the continent.
Dikko also commended President Bola Tinubu for his dedication to using sports as a means to promote peace and unity within the region. He emphasized that the NSC remains focused on using sporting events to foster youth development, regional cooperation, and economic growth.
The tournament began with team events, with individual matches in weight categories 65kg, 75kg, 85kg, 100kg, and 120kg following in an elimination format. The semi-finals and finals are scheduled later in the week, with the public invited to attend the grand finale on Saturday, where medals and prizes will be awarded to the champions.
This year’s tournament is particularly significant as it marks the 50th anniversary of ECOWAS, underscoring Nigeria’s pivotal role in promoting traditional sports and fostering regional unity.
Gift Habib
The PUNCH journalist, Gift, has over three years of experience covering elections, security, and foreign affairs.
