In a groundbreaking election, Dr. Ademola Are, President of the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF), has been elected as the 1st Vice President of the newly formed Union of West African Rugby Federations during a meeting of rugby union presidents from across West Africa, held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
The gathering, which included representatives from Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Burkina Faso, Benin, Togo, Ghana, Niger Republic, and Senegal, aimed to promote sub-regional sports diplomacy, encourage international collaboration, expand competitive opportunities, and boost the development of rugby throughout West Africa.
Lucas Gnogbo Kore, President of Côte d’Ivoire Rugby, emerged as the Union’s President, while Dr. Ademola Are secured the position of 1st Vice President. Other notable appointments included Burkina Faso as 2nd Vice President, Mali as 3rd Vice President, Niger Republic as Secretary-General, Benin as Treasurer, and Ghana as the Athletes’ Representative.
Dr. Are expressed his excitement about the future of rugby in the region, stating, “It’s time to roll up our sleeves and get to work. We appreciate the efforts and support from leaders like Rugby Africa President Herbert Mensah to ensure rugby flourishes across the continent.”
The Nigerian delegation to Côte d’Ivoire consisted of Dr. Ademola Are, General Manager Azeez Lawal, and Chief Operating Officer Hon. Tunde Delu, demonstrating Nigeria’s dedication to the advancement of rugby in West Africa.