Ambassador Francis Njoaguani, Director of Youth and Sports Development for the Economic Community of West African States, emphasized the role of sports in developing collaboration and togetherness among the 12 ECOWAS member states.
Njoaguani made this statement at the 13th ECOWAS African Wrestling Tournament, which began on Thursday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium’s Velodrome in Abuja.
The tournament gathered 55 participants from 11 countries, with each nation sending five wrestlers and four technical officials.
Despite the fact that Cape Verde did not participate in this year’s competition, Njoaguani emphasized that sports are an effective means of regional cooperation.
This programme brings together wrestlers from all of our member states.
“It promotes international collaboration and demonstrates the unifying force of sports. “We believe this will strengthen the integration efforts that ECOWAS advocates,” Njoaguani stated.
He also pointed out that young people account for 54% of the ECOWAS population and emphasized the importance of sports in economic development and youth participation.
The Director went on to say that sports not only bring people together, but they also drive economic growth, and ECOWAS hopes to use the event to promote integration and youth development.
“Sports not only bring people together, but they also boost the economy.
“We aim to leverage sports to spread the message of ECOWAS regarding integration and youth development, which are essential to our goals of development and human capital enhancement,” according to him.
Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, underlined the Commission’s commitment to utilize sports to empower youth, promote regional cohesion, and drive economic progress.
Dikko commended traditional wrestling’s cultural value, calling it a symbol of resilience, power, and discipline.
He also praised President Bola Tinubu, who chairs the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, for his efforts to promote regional peace and togetherness via sports.
“It reflects the spirit of resilience, strength, and discipline, which define our wonderful continent.
“This tournament is a testament to our collective commitment to promoting cultural ties and strengthening the bonds that unite us,” the president said.
The tournament began with team events, followed by individual contests in weight categories 65kg, 75kg, 85kg, 100kg, and 120kg in an elimination style.
The semi-finals and finals are slated for later this week, and the public is welcome to the grand finale on Saturday, when medals and prizes will be presented to the winners.
The competition, which coincides with the 50th anniversary of ECOWAS, has taken on new significance this year, emphasizing Nigeria’s pivotal role in supporting traditional sports and regional solidarity.
