In a groundbreaking move to advance disability inclusion through sports, the Nigeria Unconquered Foundation (NUF) has partnered with the ECOWAS Youth and Sports Development Centre to inaugurate the ECOWAS Para Games (EPG)—a biannual regional event that aims to spotlight the abilities and resilience of persons with disabilities (PWDs) and wounded veterans across West Africa.
At the MoU signing ceremony held in Abuja, Executive Director of NUF, Mr. Bobby Ojeh, hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his exceptional leadership and strong advocacy for inclusive development. “President Tinubu stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration, and his support has been critical in bringing this dream to life,” Ojeh noted.
Ojeh emphasized that EPG is more than a sporting competition—it is a platform for empowerment, regional unity, and social change. “We have taken a significant step towards building a society where no one is left behind. The ECOWAS Para Games represent our shared vision of an inclusive, equitable West Africa.”
The inaugural edition of the ECOWAS Para Games is scheduled for the first quarter of 2026 and will rotate among ECOWAS countries every two years, based on hosting rights.
He extended appreciation to the ECOWAS Commission, led by Dr. Omar Touray, for its commitment to inclusive policies, and lauded the Nigerian government’s continued support. “We also thank our future sponsors and supporters. Your contributions fuel this noble mission to give people with disabilities and injured soldiers a stage to thrive, excel, and inspire,” he said.
Director of the ECOWAS Youth and Sports Development Centre, Ambassador Francis Chuks Njoaguan, underscored the significance of EPG in aligning with ECOWAS’ long-standing policies on disability inclusion. He stated, “People with disabilities are equal citizens. They pay taxes, contribute to the economy, and enrich our culture—including through sports. It’s time we build economic opportunities around Para Games as we do with other major sporting events.”
Ambassador Njoaguan praised the NUF’s initiative and reaffirmed ECOWAS’ full support, calling EPG “another feather” in the Commission’s efforts to integrate all citizens, especially the underserved, into the region’s development agenda.
Adding his voice, EPG Programme Director, Ambassador Idah David, said the Games go beyond athleticism. “This is about humanity. About love, support, and shared responsibility for those often overlooked—our wounded soldiers and persons with disabilities. In a continent where even able-bodied people face challenges, it is crucial we prioritize the most vulnerable.”
David explained that while sports is the vehicle, the broader mission is to empower PWDs economically, socially, and culturally. “We are using sports as a tool to achieve a greater purpose—economic inclusion, empathy, and nation-building.”
The Nigeria Unconquered Foundation, founded two years ago in partnership with the Invictus Games Foundation, has so far supported over 51 wounded Nigerian soldiers in collaboration with the Defence Headquarters. With the launch of EPG, the Foundation is set to expand its reach and impact across the ECOWAS region.
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