ABUJA DIPLOMATS TURN TO SPORTS TO DRIVE PEACE AND GLOBAL UNITY By Raymond Enoch
In a refreshing break from formal meetings and policy debates, diplomats in Nigeria’s capital came together on the field of play, using sports to build bridges and strengthen relationships at the 8th Diplomatic Games Week in Abuja.
The event, organized by Globalafri Diplomat and Diplomacy Publishing & Events in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, brought together dozens of embassies and international organizations at Monoliza Park. Instead of competition driven by rivalry, the focus was on unity, teamwork, and shared human connection.
The games featured a mix of sporting activities including chess, football, tennis, table tennis, volleyball, and badminton. In one of the most exciting matches, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs football team defeated a combined UNICEF and international community side 3–1, drawing cheers from a lively crowd of diplomats and supporters.
Chess lovers were not left out, as players from different missions battled for supremacy in a tense but friendly contest. Kurniawan Sagala from the Indonesian Embassy emerged as the overall winner, with David Prince and Attlee Tobin Wales from the British High Commission finishing close behind.
Volleyball also delivered thrilling moments, as a mixed team made up of players from the Cuban, Indonesian, and Colombian embassies alongside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs secured victory against a strong side representing Indonesia, the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, UNICEF, and the Islamic Development Bank. In badminton, the Chinese Embassy team proved dominant, defeating UNICEF to claim the top spot.
The tennis event, played in doubles format, saw top diplomats take to the court. Ambassador Wahab Akande, Nigeria’s Chief of Protocol and Ambassador-designate to Switzerland, teamed up with Dong Hairong of the Chinese Embassy to compete in a spirited match against a UNICEF-Chinese Embassy pair.
Speaking at the event, Ambassador Akande praised the initiative, describing it as both timely and impactful. He noted that diplomacy is often demanding and intense, but moments like these allow diplomats to relax, connect, and promote goodwill beyond official duties. According to him, many participants are already calling for the games to be held more frequently.
The brain behind the event, Sòókò Deji Ajomale-McWord, publisher of Globalafri Diplomat magazine, said the vision is to use sports as a platform to promote peace, cooperation, and shared humanity across borders. He explained that what started as a small golf event has now grown into a multi-sport gathering that encourages wider participation within the diplomatic community.
Although golf was absent this year, he revealed that the organizers are shifting focus to the upcoming 3rd Annual Trade Relations Cup scheduled for June, which aims to deepen engagement within the international trade space through sports.
As the games came to a close, one message stood clear: beyond politics and national interests, there is a common ground where nations can meet — not across negotiating tables, but on playing fields. And in Abuja, that ground is steadily becoming a symbol of unity, friendship, and hope for a more cooperative world.
