At the historic gathering, which took place at the Ibis Hotel, important players from all around the area came together to set a new direction for rugby's growth in West Africa.
Former Rugby Africa President Marcellan Zahoui and former Rugby Africa Treasurer General Charles Yapo, who represented World Rugby, presided over the ceremony.
Rugby federations from all over the region came together for the event, demonstrating a dedication to coordinating efforts and raising rugby's visibility in West Africa.
Lukas Gnogbo Koré, the President of Rugby Côte d'Ivoire and the inaugural President of UFOAR, gave an overview of his goals for the sport.
With Côte d'Ivoire positioned as the rugby capital of West Africa, he emphasized his dedication to advancing rugby throughout the region.
Rugby federations from all over the region came together for the event, demonstrating a dedication to coordinating efforts and raising rugby's visibility in West Africa.
Lukas Gnogbo Koré, the President of Rugby Côte d'Ivoire and the inaugural President of UFOAR, gave an overview of his goals for the sport.
With Côte d'Ivoire positioned as the rugby capital of West Africa, he emphasized his dedication to advancing rugby throughout the region.
Being the only French-speaking nation in West Africa to have competed in a Rugby World Cup, Côte d'Ivoire has a special place in African rugby history.
Lukas and his team have promised to increase West Africa's visibility on the international rugby scene, given the sport's explosive growth in East, South, and North Africa.
Rugby Africa President Herbert Mensah thanked everyone who helped create UFOAR and characterized the occasion as the start of a new era for rugby in West Africa, emphasizing the value of cooperation in advancing the game.
According to Herbert Mensah, "because sport is a big business, nations must come together, work with governments, raise funds, and create better opportunities for everyone."
Lukas and his team have promised to increase West Africa's visibility on the international rugby scene, given the sport's explosive growth in East, South, and North Africa.
Rugby Africa President Herbert Mensah thanked everyone who helped create UFOAR and characterized the occasion as the start of a new era for rugby in West Africa, emphasizing the value of cooperation in advancing the game.
According to Herbert Mensah, "because sport is a big business, nations must come together, work with governments, raise funds, and create better opportunities for everyone."
In order to support rugby's expansion in the area, his comments reaffirmed the necessity of cooperation between federations, governments, and business sector partners.
The Minister of Sports and Urban Life strongly supported the event and praised Rugby Africa's leadership and the federations' joint efforts.
He praised the sport's upward trajectory and promised more government assistance to keep it going.
The region will gain from more investment, organized development initiatives, and improved international involvement as a result of UFOAR's establishment.
It is anticipated that the project will strengthen player development paths, promote grassroots rugby, and establish West Africa as a powerful force in African rugby.
The inauguration is a major turning point, and those involved are hopeful that this solidarity will result in more West African countries being represented in international rugby competitions, such as upcoming Rugby World Cups.
The Minister of Sports and Urban Life strongly supported the event and praised Rugby Africa's leadership and the federations' joint efforts.
He praised the sport's upward trajectory and promised more government assistance to keep it going.
The region will gain from more investment, organized development initiatives, and improved international involvement as a result of UFOAR's establishment.
It is anticipated that the project will strengthen player development paths, promote grassroots rugby, and establish West Africa as a powerful force in African rugby.
The inauguration is a major turning point, and those involved are hopeful that this solidarity will result in more West African countries being represented in international rugby competitions, such as upcoming Rugby World Cups.