Nigeria is gearing up to host athletes from 32 African nations for the inaugural African Invitational Swimming Championship, a tribute to ECOWAS Chairman and President Bola Tinubu.
The event, themed “Peace and Progress,” is organized by Africa Aquatics Zone 2 in collaboration with Demakers Business Roundtable. With over 5,000 male and female swimmers expected to compete, the Nigerian capital will serve as the stage for this continental showdown.
This championship aims to not only celebrate swimming prowess but also foster youth development and empowerment within the region’s sports landscape.
The official presentation of the championship trophy to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, was conducted by Godwin Tammy N, the Director of Planning and Implementation. During the ceremony, Speaker Abbas emphasized the potential of sports to create job opportunities, directly or indirectly impacting various sectors like infrastructure, transportation, accommodation, and security. He highlighted how this could aid in reducing unemployment and enhancing economic growth.
In anticipation of the swimming championship, Abbas emphasized its potential to unearth talents that could represent Nigeria on international platforms. He envisioned the event as a catalyst for instilling values like teamwork, patriotism, and courage across all age groups.
Tammy expressed gratitude to Speaker Abbas for his dedication to President Tinubu and Nigeria, describing the event as a festive celebration of aquatic sports. He revealed plans to formally present the trophy to President Tinubu, marking the commencement of the event on a later date.
Tammy also hinted at the championship’s collaborative nature, involving institutions within and beyond Africa, and disclosed that it would be hosted by Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FTC).
The event promises to be an unprecedented gathering, celebrating talents from across Africa, uniting regional stakeholders committed to youth development in sports. Dignitaries present at the trophy handover included Prof. Dan-Azumi Jake (Chief of Staff to the Speaker), Hon. Dr. Aliyu Mustapha (Vice Chairman, Upstream Petroleum), Dr. Chamberlain (Deputy Chief of Staff to the Speaker), Hon. Jingi Rufai, and several other esteemed Members of the House of Representatives.
