By Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka Abuja
The Chairman, A. C. Okocha Group of Companies, Chief Andrew Chukwudi Okocha who doubles as the International Project Patron of the upcoming First African Invitational Swimming Championship (FAISC), to be organised in honour of the Chairman, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and Nigeria’s President Ahmed Tinubu, has lauded ECOWAS heads of states for re-electing Tinubu as chairman of the sub-regional body for a second term in office on Sunday.
Speaking with newsmen in Abuja on Monday, Chief Okocha, noted that President Tinubu’s actions have fostered culture of diversity, equity, and provided opportunities for all citizens within ECOWAS countries. He however described him as a leader who could make tough decisions and stand by them, with the readiness to take full responsibility for such actions and decisions. He said Tinubu’s leadership style around the ECOWAS region have been the magic wand that has characterised his leadership in the sub-region.
“Tinubu possesses the ability to navigate crises and maintain stability. He has the capacity to pivot in response to changing circumstances because of his listenership with which he unites people, coupled with his skillful negotiations and international relations qualities which enables him to manage clenches effectively.
“He is a leader with unwavering commitment to ethical principles and transparency, having the ability to understand and relate to diverse perspectives and needs, which make him to always stand out amongst his colleagues as ECOWAS chairman,” Chief Okocha asserted.
Meanwhile, the International Director of Planning and Implementation for the FAISC, Dr. Godwin Tammy has said that the event would draw swimmers and aquatic sport stakeholders from 32 African countries that would converge in Abuja, Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to participate in the completion, tagged: Peace and Progress in honour of the ECOWAS Chairman.
According to Tammy, the continental water sport competition was being put together under the lead role of Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas and facilitated by Africa Aquatics, Zone 2, Dakar, Senegal and Demakers Business Roundtable Abuja, in appreciation of the ECOWAS Chairman.
He expressed deep appreciation to Rt. Hon. Abbas for his commitment towards youth sports development, saying that the 1st. African International Invitational Swimming Championship would be a moment of aquatic sport festivity in the FCT.
While enlisting the massive support from Secretary to the Government of Federation (SGF), Senator Akume towards Africa’s First Invitational Swimming Championship(FISC), Tammy said Mr President’s ability to inspire and achieve his vision for Nigeria has been the driving force behind the forthcoming aquatic championship in Abuja.
“Senator George Akume has served in many roles in the government, from being a governor to being a senator, and is considered one of the most experienced political leaders in Nigeria. Akume is committed to serving the people of Nigeria. Akume is considered a man of integrity and is admired for his philanthropy, leadership, and humility,” Dr. Tammy said.
Informing that it is the first of its kind ever, organised by African Aquatics to honour an African leader, he hinted that the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike would host the championship, being organised in collaboration with relevant institutions within and beyond the African continent.
“It promises to be an exciting moment of glory, laced with blissful ecstasy, finesse and alluring quality of talents as over five thousand male and female swimmers from 32 African countries will converge on the beautiful city of Abuja to fight for Africa’s best swimming crown. The tournament will also attract a collection of regional sports stakeholders and investors that are committed to developing and empowering youth sport,” Dr. Tammy said.
It would be recalled that the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, while receiving the trophy from Africa Aquatics in Abuja for formal presentation to Mr. President, had noted that sport creates job opportunities for the youth, either directly or indirectly in various other sectors, such as infrastructure and services, transportation, accommodation, and security which in turn, help to reduce unemployment, improve household income levels as well as boosting economic growth.
The Speaker had maintained that the 1st African Invitational Swimming Championship would be another platform to discover credible talents that could represent Nigeria at international championships, reiterating that the event would inspire all levels and age grades to participate competitively in a secure environment where participants would be imbued with values such as teamwork, patriotism and courage.