PRESIDENT of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, Ambassador James Victor Gbeho, has lauded the Federal Government for accepting the challenges of hosting the maiden edition of the ongoing U-23 ECOWAS Games which began last Sunday in Abuja.

Ambassador Gbeho, made the remarks in his goodwill message at the opening ceremony of the Games at the National Stadium, Abuja on Sunday.

He revealed that the Games had been in the drawing board of ECOWAS for over than ten years after the idea was mooted by the Conference of Ministers of Youth and Sports.

Gbeho stated that the Games which has an impressive turnout and support from member states would in the near future become the primary sporting event in the ECOWAS region, adding that it would also serve as a platform for social and cultural development of the region.

He commended the Main Organising Committee for the Games, headed by Mr. Peter Nelson for their efforts at ensuring a successful Games.