Article Details

13th edition of TOLAC

The ECOWAS Centre for Youth and Sports Development is organising the thirteenth edition of the ECOWAS African Wrestling Tournament from 6 to 8 March 2025. The opening ceremony took place on Thursday in the presence of the Director of the ECOWAS Youth and Sports Development Centre and the Chairperson of the National Sports Commission of Nigeria. The ceremony featured a performance by a traditional troupe, a parade of the teams and speeches by officials. Nigeria, which is hosting this 13th edition, is welcoming teams from 10 ECOWAS member states. This edition highlights gender mainstreaming in African wrestling and has seen the modernisation and strengthening of the provisions of the ECOWAS-specific African wrestling code. It illustrates the dynamism of the ECOWAS Commission for Youth and Sports (CDJS) in promoting talent in the fields of sport and youth, whilst integrating the concept of gender into its regional policy. This initiative is fully in line with ECOWAS’s commitment, particularly through its Vision 2050, which promotes an inclusive approach to regional development. The Director of the CDJS/ECOWAS, H.E. Ambassador Francis Chuks Njoaguani, welcomed the successful staging of this regional sporting event. In his view, the TOLAC, beyond its sporting dimension, represents a genuine vehicle for regional cohesion. This high-level competition also aims to be a celebration of West African cultures, bringing together the core values that unite us: respect, solidarity and the spirit of self-improvement. It is a special occasion to celebrate the continent’s diversity whilst affirming our unity within that diversity. The TOLAC is therefore a forum for promoting talent and societal values, and for bringing African cultures together. In his welcome address, His Excellency Malam Shehu Dikko expressed his satisfaction with the organisation of this sporting event in Nigeria. For him, TOLAC is more than just a sporting competition: it is a cultural legacy that has formed the foundation for peace and the consolidation of traditional societies. African wrestling is a school that fosters a spirit of resilience, discipline and the ability to adapt in order to overcome challenges. These fundamental values define ECOWAS, which this year celebrates fifty years of service to its peoples. In line with its vision, ECOWAS remains committed to making sport a vehicle for promoting the values that unite peoples and foster regional integration.