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High-Level Strategic Meeting on the 2026 ECOWAS Para Games

High-Level Strategic Meeting on the ECOWAS Para Games 2026, 25 September 2026 Venue: Defence Headquarters, Abuja A high-level strategic meeting was held today between the Office of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), the Nigeria Unconquered Foundation (NUF) and the ECOWAS Youth and Sports Development Centre (EYSDC) to discuss the groundbreaking initiative of the ECOWAS Para Games. The CDS was ably represented by Air Vice-Marshal Sayo OLATUNDE, the Chief of Defence Policy and Plans, alongside other senior military officers. The NUF delegation was led by its Executive Director, Mr Bobby Ojeh, and the EYSDC was represented by its Director, Amb. Francis Njoaguani. The meeting began with a brief introduction, after which the Director of the EYSDC provided a comprehensive overview of the origins of the ECOWAS Para Games. He elaborated on the pivotal role of the Nigeria Unconquered Foundation in conceptualising the initiative and the signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which grants the NUF the mandate to organise, manage and operate the Games. Following this, the Executive Director of the NUF, Mr Bobby Ojeh, delivered an insightful presentation on the core vision and strategic framework for the Games. He eloquently articulated the profound essence of the ECOWAS Para Games, emphasising their power to foster regional unity, celebrate the extraordinary abilities of wounded and injured soldiers and athletes with disabilities, and promote inclusivity as a cornerstone of sustainable development within the West African region. A central and poignant aspect of the presentation highlighted the Games as a military event for wounded soldiers across the West African region, honouring their sacrifice and resilience. The CDS delegation engaged actively with a series of thoughtful questions and follow-up queries, seeking clarification on operational, logistical and DHQ involvement in the Games. The responses from the NUF and EYSDC teams were met with immense enthusiasm and a resoundingly positive reception. The CDS team expressed profound admiration for the initiative’s scope and potential, describing it as a visionary and transformative project for ECOWAS and the Nigeria Unconquered Foundation. They conveyed their unwavering confidence in the partnership and their keen anticipation of the opportunities it presents. The representatives were particularly inspired by the Games’ ability to champion resilience and social cohesion. In his closing remarks, the representative of the Chief of Defence Staff reaffirmed the commitment of General CG Musa (CDS) and the Nigerian Armed Forces to the success of the Games. He stated that the Defence Headquarters looks forward to a robust and synergistic collaboration with NUF and the EYSDC to ensure the flawless planning, secure execution and resounding success of the inaugural ECOWAS Para Games in 2026. This partnership is seen as a strategic alignment of values, dedicated to honouring courage and promoting peace and unity across the sub-region.