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FG, African Unconquered Foundation Sign MOU for Training, Skill Acquisition, and Empowerment of Wounded and Physically Challenged Soldiers
The Federal Government of Nigeria has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the African Unconquered Foundation to empower and prepare injured Nigerian soldiers for the upcoming Invictus Games in Vancouver, Canada, scheduled from February 6 to 17, 2025.
At the signing ceremony in Abuja, Mohammed Abba Isa, the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Disability Matters, emphasized the President’s commitment to supporting all segments of society. “The signing of this MOU with the African Unconquered Foundation reflects the President’s dedication to ensuring every part of society is included,” he stated. “We want our wounded soldiers to find their place and purpose. The Invictus Games offer a unique platform to engage them physically and mentally, but this partnership also opens doors for broader empowerment opportunities beyond sports. We aim to enhance the lives of people living with disabilities and support our wounded heroes.”
Derrick Cobbinah, CEO and Co-Founder of the African Unconquered Foundation, commended the Nigerian government for its commitment. “We are thrilled to partner with such resilient individuals who, despite their challenges, are eager to train for the Games. This initiative brings renewed hope, and we hope to expand our mission beyond Nigeria, across Africa, using the power of sports to uplift injured soldiers and veterans. Through this partnership, we’re offering them a renewed sense of purpose and opportunities beyond athletics.”
Alvin Atsegwasi, CFO and Co-Founder of the African Unconquered Foundation and a former British Army officer, acknowledged the challenges faced by injured soldiers, both physically and mentally. “Our work through sports is impactful, but this partnership with the President’s office on disability matters will provide even more opportunities for those with disabilities,” he said.
The MOU aims to empower Nigerian soldiers by equipping them with skills they can use throughout their lives, even beyond their athletic careers.
News
Ringo Sport Club, National Parks Service Team Up to Promote Eco-Tourism, Combat Climate Change
By Joel Ajayi
The Ringo Sport Club–Nigeria and the National Park Service (NPS) have begun moves to strengthen collaboration on eco-tourism promotion, environmental protection and climate change mitigation ahead of the maiden Nigerian Para-Military Ringo Sport Tournament (NIPAMRIST) 2026.
The National President of Ringo Sport Club–Nigeria and Chairman of the National Inter-Agency Organising Committee (NIAOC) of NIPAMRIST, Malam Ahmed Mohammed Sule, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the Conservator-General of the National Park Service, Dr Ibrahim Musa Goni, at the Service’s headquarters in Abuja.
The visit was part of ongoing stakeholder engagements to secure the participation of personnel from para-military agencies and explore areas of cooperation ahead of the three-day tournament scheduled for November 19 to 21, 2026, at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
Sule said the tournament was designed to bring together officers and personnel of Nigeria’s para-military agencies to compete for honours while promoting inter-agency cooperation, national unity, physical fitness and general well-being.
He explained that the engagement with the National Park Service was aimed at strengthening preparations for the inaugural competition and building a lasting partnership that would extend beyond sports.
According to him, the National Park Service is a strategic partner in advancing the tournament’s objectives, particularly through the integration of sports and tourism to showcase Nigeria’s natural attractions and encourage environmental awareness.
Sule disclosed that the Service had registered for the tournament and that some of its personnel had benefited from the intensive Ringo sport training programme organised by the club.
He urged the Conservator-General to mobilise more personnel for the competition, stressing that adequate preparation and mass participation would contribute to the success of the tournament.
The Ringo Sport Club president added that NIPAMRIST offered an opportunity to use sports as a platform for promoting Nigeria’s eco-tourism potential, improving the fitness of security and para-military personnel, and encouraging stronger institutional partnerships.
He called for sustained collaboration between the club and the National Park Service to leverage the tournament’s visibility in promoting the country’s protected areas and supporting tourism development.
Responding, Goni expressed appreciation for the visit and reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to the success of NIPAMRIST 2026.
He pledged that the National Park Service would encourage active participation by its personnel, describing the tournament as an avenue to improve physical fitness, discipline, teamwork and esprit de corps among staff.
The Conservator-General also welcomed the proposal for deeper cooperation on eco-tourism, noting that the Service had continued to pursue partnerships that support biodiversity conservation, sustainable livelihoods and tourism development across Nigeria’s protected areas.
Goni linked the growing effects of climate change to environmental degradation and the neglect of environmental protection principles, noting that damage to ecosystems and the depletion of natural protective cover could contribute to displacement, migration and conflicts.
He said the relationship between sports and eco-tourism presented an opportunity to raise public awareness about Nigeria’s national parks while encouraging healthy lifestyles among service personnel and the wider population.
Goni assured the organising committee of the Service’s readiness to explore practical areas of cooperation before, during and after the tournament.
He also clarified that Nigeria has 17 national parks, with about 13 currently in active operation, correcting what he described as the misconception in some quarters that the country has only seven parks.
The visit ended with both parties agreeing to establish a working framework for the Service’s participation in the tournament and sustain discussions on eco-tourism promotion and other areas of mutual interest.
The organising committee expressed optimism that the partnership would strengthen NIPAMRIST 2026 and support its broader objectives of sports development, institutional cooperation and tourism promotion.
NIPAMRIST is the maiden inter-agency Ringo sport tournament organised by Ringo Sport Club–Nigeria for officers and personnel of Nigerian para-military establishments.
The 2026 edition is expected to feature 120 players and officials from eight agencies, including the National Park Service, Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Road Safety Corps, Federal Fire Service, Nigeria Immigration Service and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, among others.
The tournament is scheduled to run from November 19 to 21 at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.
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