The road to the 14th African Armwrestling Championship and 7th Para-Armwrestling Championship officially took a monumental step forward on Saturday evening as Hon. Adeyinka Adeboye, Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, delivered a powerful welcome address during the Mascot Unveiling and Fundraising Gala in Abuja.
The event, held at the NAF Conference Center, Kado, Abuja, was attended by an array of dignitaries, sports administrators, government officials, and corporate stakeholders—all united by a shared vision: to make Abuja 2025 the best edition of the African Armwrestling Championship in history.
In his welcome remarks, Hon. Adeboye set the tone for the evening with a rousing call for unity, vision, and investment in the future of African sports.
“This championship is more than just a competition; it’s a celebration of African unity, discipline, and athletic potential. Today’s event marks a major milestone—not only are we unveiling our official mascot and team jerseys, but we are also launching a campaign that will shape the future of armwrestling across the continent.”
Adeboye paid special tribute to President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, whose unwavering support, he noted, has been instrumental to the planning and vision of the championship. He also lauded the leadership of Malam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, and Chief Bukola Olopade, Director General of the NSC, for their firm commitment to the growth and structure of all federations under their watch.
The unveiled mascot—a symbol of power, resilience, and unity—was described as an embodiment of the values that define African athletes, while the team jerseys were celebrated as emblems of pride, sacrifice, and national representation.
“These jerseys are not just fabric,” Adeboye declared. “They carry the dreams, sweat, and resilience of our athletes. They remind us that greatness comes from hard work, and every competitor wearing them is already a champion.”
More than a ceremony, the gala also served as a fundraising drive, designed to generate critical support for the execution of a world-class championship. Hon. Adeboye passionately urged stakeholders to see their donations as investments in African youth, continental unity, and the global future of armwrestling.
“Together, we can provide the facilities, the equipment, and the atmosphere for greatness. Your support tonight is not just financial—it’s transformational.”
As the night progressed, guests pledged their support with enthusiasm, reaffirming Nigeria’s readiness to host athletes from over 20 countries this July 23–27 in Abuja.
Hon. Adeboye concluded his speech with a heartfelt appeal for unity and collaboration, stating:
“Let this event remind us that sport is a bridge. It connects our nations, celebrates our diversity, and inspires the next generation. We are ready. Africa is watching. Let’s make history together.”
With momentum now in full swing, Nigeria’s hosting of the African Armwrestling Championship is poised to set new benchmarks—not just in armwrestling, but in grassroots sports development and continental collaboration.
