In a major win for Nigerian sports media, Tolu Oguntimehin of SWAN’s Abuja chapter has been elected 2nd Vice President of the newly formed ECOWAS Association of Journalists Specialised in Wrestling (AJSL).
Inaugurated last Tuesday, the AJSL aims to standardize and sharpen the expertise of media professionals covering traditional African wrestling across the sub-continent.
Oguntimehin’s new role highlights Nigeria’s expanding leadership within the regional sports landscape, bringing together voices from across the ECOWAS member states.
This new entity positions itself as the primary advocate and hub for reporters handling wrestling coverage alongside prominent sub-regional sports gatherings, fostering a unified platform for high-caliber reporting.
Persecondnews reports that the body was formed following extended discussions involving sports reporters and keen followers of traditional wrestling, the AJSL aims to advance top-notch, principled, and niche-focused journalism.
It also seeks to build collaborative ties among media practitioners from diverse ECOWAS countries, ensuring a more cohesive approach to storytelling in this culturally rich sport.
Now actively operational with its extensive connections, the association plans to collaborate closely with ECOWAS and similar regional entities to amplify awareness of events like the Tournoi de la Lutte Africaine de la CEDEAO (TOLAC), as well as broader athletic and cultural activities.
Beninese journalist Gilles Biguézoton emphasized the importance of the launch, noting that the time has come for wrestling reporters across the ECOWAS region to pool their expertise and synchronize their efforts for maximum impact.
The founding team established a diverse governing body featuring delegates from various ECOWAS member countries. Leading the charge is Senegalese media leader Abou Ndour, who serves as Director General of Albouralh.tv and was voted in as President.
Meanwhile, Gilles Biguézoton from Africasport.org earned unanimous support to take on the role of Secretary General and Spokesperson.
The full executive lineup, headed by Ndour, includes: 1st Vice President Abdoul Aziz Sow from Guinea Conakry; 2nd Vice President Tolu Oguntimehin from Nigeria; Deputy Secretary General Abdoul Rahamane O. Maman from Niger;
Others include Treasurer General Kangni Follykoe from Togo; Deputy Treasurer General Carlos Balde from Guinea Bissau; Head of Organisation I Claude Amah from Togo; and Head of Organisation II Paul S. Prierra from Gambia.
This cross-border leadership setup embodies the AJSL’s vision to overcome national divides, championing wrestling media throughout West Africa and eyeing potential expansion to the wider African landscape down the line.
Among its core objectives, the AJSL prioritizes upgrading and formalizing how wrestling—a sport embedded in West African heritage—is reported in the media. It also commits to upholding moral standards in journalism, especially when dealing with sports and cultural contests.
Furthermore, the group intends to establish a supportive environment for mutual aid and knowledge-sharing among dedicated reporters, emphasizing ongoing education and partnerships that span borders.
Beyond its internal goals, the AJSL is set to bridge the gap between media professionals, sports federations, and ECOWAS authorities.
This strategic collaboration aims to secure greater institutional recognition and increased funding for wrestling initiatives throughout the region.
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