ECOWAS champions sports as tool for regional development

The Director of Youth and Sports Development for the Economic Community of West African States, Ambassador Francis Njoaguani, has underscored the importance of sports in fostering cooperation and unity among the 12 ECOWAS member states.

Njoaguani stated this at the 13th ECOWAS African Wrestling Tournament, which commenced on Thursday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium’s Velodrome in Abuja.

The event drew 55 athletes from 11 countries, with each nation represented by five wrestlers and four technical officials.

Although Cape Verde was absent from this year’s tournament, Njoaguani noted that sports serve as a powerful tool for regional integration.

“This programme brings together wrestlers from all our member states.

“It strengthens collaboration among nations and showcases the unifying power of sports. We believe this will enhance the integration efforts that ECOWAS advocates,” Njoaguani said.

He also noted that young people represent 54 per cent of the ECOWAS population and highlighted the vital role sports play in economic development and youth engagement.

The director added that sports not only connect participants but also drive economic growth, and ECOWAS aims to leverage the tournament to promote integration and youth development.

“Sports not only connect participants but also drive economic growth.

“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,” he added.

Also, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to using sports as a platform for youth empowerment, regional integration, and economic growth.

Dikko praised the cultural significance of traditional wrestling, describing it as a symbol of resilience, strength, and discipline.

He also lauded President Bola Tinubu, who chairs the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, for his dedication to using sports to foster peace and unity in the region.

The chairman stressed that the NSC’s continued focus on using sports events as a tool for youth development, regional cooperation, and economic progress.

“It embodies the spirit of resilience, strength, and discipline—qualities that define our great continent.

“This tournament is a testament to our collective commitment to promoting cultural ties and strengthening the bonds that unite us,” he emphasised.

The tournament began with team events, with individual matches in weight categories 65kg, 75kg, 85kg, 100kg, and 120kg to follow in an elimination format.

The semi-finals and finals are scheduled for later in the week, and the public has been invited to attend the grand finale on Saturday, where medals and prizes will be awarded to the champions.

The tournament, which coincides with the 50th anniversary of ECOWAS, has added significance this year, highlighting Nigeria’s central role in promoting traditional sports and regional unity.