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13th Edition of ECOWAS Wrestling Tournament Opens with Celebration of Culture

13th Edition of ECOWAS Wrestling Tournament Opens with Celebration of Culture
By: Michael Mike
West African culture was on celebration in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital as the 13th edition of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) African Wrestling Tournament commenced in grand style.
The event which kickstarted on Thursday and will draw to a close on Saturday at the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, has a total of 55 athletes from 11 countries competing for top honours, with each nation represented by five wrestlers and four technical officials.
The colour opening ceremony had various culture displays and dances from across the region showcasing the rich culture and tradition.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Director of Youth and Sports Development for ECOWAS, Ambassador Francis Njoaguani, expressed his appreciation and highlighted the importance of the tournament in fostering cooperation and unity among the 12 ECOWAS member states.
Although Cape Verde is absent from this year’s event, Njoaguani stressed the significance of sports as a powerful tool for regional integration.
He said: “This programme brings together wrestlers from all our member states,” noting that: “It strengthens collaboration among nations and showcases the unifying power of sports. We believe this will enhance the integration efforts that ECOWAS advocates.”
He said with young people making up 54% of the ECOWAS population, the vital role sports play in economic development and youth engagement cannot be wished away.
He said: “Sports not only connect participants but also drive economic growth,” he stated. “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.”
The tournament opened with team events, while individual bouts across weight categories of 65kg, 75kg, 85kg, 100kg, and 120kg are scheduled to follow in an elimination format, leading to the semi-finals and finals.
Njoaguani also extended an invitation to the public to attend the tournament’s grand finale on Saturday, where medals and prizes will be awarded to the champions.
As excitement builds, the tournament aims not only to showcase athletic talent but also to foster regional camaraderie and development through the spirit of competition.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, said the Commission’s commitment to using sports as a platform for youth empowerment, regional integration, and economic growth.
This year’s tournament also coincides with the 50th anniversary of ECOWAS, adding greater significance to the event.
Dikko praised the rich cultural heritage embedded in traditional wrestling, describing it as more than just a sport:
“It embodies the spirit of resilience, strength, and discipline—qualities that define our great continent,” he said, as dignitaries, athletes, and fans gathered to celebrate this prestigious event.
Dikko further commended the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who currently chairs the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, noting his dedication to using sports as a vehicle for peace and regional cohesion.
“This tournament is a testament to our collective commitment to promoting cultural ties and strengthening the bonds that unite us,” he emphasized.
Hosting the tournament firmly positions Nigeria as a central figure in promoting and developing traditional sports across the region. Dikko reiterated the National Sports Commission’s dedication to maximizing the power of sporting events for youth development, regional unity, and economic progress.
13th Edition of ECOWAS Wrestling Tournament Opens with Celebration of Culture
News
Zulum strengthens vocational education to address industry gap

Zulum strengthens vocational education to address industry gap
… To introduce TVET for Almajiri pupils
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has directed a comprehensive strategy that will enhance vocational education across the three senatorial zones in the state.
Zulum announced the directive on Monday when he received the report on repositioning technical and vocational education in Borno at the council chamber.

According to the Governor, the strategic plan is designed to empower the youth, equipping them with the necessary skills to meet the demands of various industries and stimulate economic growth.
Zulum emphasised that educational facilities and vocational institutions should tailor their programs to address the deepening mismatch between them and the various industries.

“The mismatch between our graduates and the labour market is deep, and if we want to address that, we should ensure that a robust technical and vocational education is established,” Zulum said.
“We have achieved a lot in providing vocational skills to our youth; however, along the way, we felt that we are still not doing enough for this. We decided to constitute this committee to reposition the technical and vocational education in Borno State.
Speaking earlier Presenting the Chairman of the Committee, Alhaji Goni Ibrahim, noted that the review was conducted through site visits, stakeholder consultations, and comparative studies.

… To introduce TVET for Almajiri pupils
Meanwhile, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has instructed the Ministry of Education to consider introducing technical and vocational education in Sangaya Schools.
The Governor said, “I am happy to note that the Executive Secretary of the Sangaya Education Board is here. I have instructed the Commissioner of Education to liaise with you to consider introducing technical and vocational education in our Sangaya schools.”
Zulum also commended the leadership of the Commissioner of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Engr Lawan Abba Wakilbe, stating, “I want to commend the leadership of the commissioner of Education, for all the good works that he has been doing.”
Zulum strengthens vocational education to address industry gap
News
Gunmen kill man in attempted abduction in Kwara mosque

Gunmen kill man in attempted abduction in Kwara mosque
By: Zagazola Makama
Gunmen have killed a 45-year-old man, Alhaji Dahiru, during an attempted abduction in a mosque in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred on Aug. 30 at about 8:30 p.m. during Ishai prayer.
They said about seven armed men stormed the mosque and attempted to abduct Dahiru, who resisted. He was shot dead instantly before the attackers fled on motorcycles.
According to residents, two empty shells of AK-47 ammunition were recovered at the scene after the incident.
Family members of the deceased have since appealed for the release of the corpse for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.
Authorities said efforts were ongoing to track down the perpetrators and secure the area against further attacks.
Gunmen kill man in attempted abduction in Kwara mosque
News
DSS arrests two over fake recruitment scam in Kaduna

DSS arrests two over fake recruitment scam in Kaduna
By: Zagazola Makama
The Department of State Services (DSS) says it has arrested two suspects in Kaduna over an alleged fraudulent recruitment syndicate operating in the name of the Service.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspects, identified as Aliyu Ibrahim and one other accomplice, were apprehended following credible intelligence that exposed their network.
According to sources, preliminary investigations revealed that between 250 and 350 individuals may have fallen victim to the scam, after being promised employment in the Service.

“The suspects are currently in custody while efforts are underway to arrest other members of the syndicate still at large,” the statement said.
The Service warned members of the public to be wary of fake recruitment offers, stressing that it does not conduct recruitment through agents or intermediaries.
“All DSS recruitment exercises are announced exclusively through official and authorised communication channels,” the sources said.
The Service further advised Nigerians to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest security agency.
The sources said the arrest came amid rising cases of job racketeering across the country, assuring that it would continue to protect citizens and ensure that perpetrators of such fraud were brought to justice.
DSS arrests two over fake recruitment scam in Kaduna
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