By Augustine Ehikioya
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, on Monday said the African Military Games holding in Abuja will boost cooperation and partnership among military personnel of participating countries and enhance the overall security and stability of the continent.
He spoke during the press briefing preceeding the commencement of the games. Security Watch Africa (SWA) was there.
According to him, it will be an exciting opportunity for Nigeria to host the African Military Games in Abuja.
General Musa said “As the Chief of Defence Staff, I’m pleased to announce that Nigeria will host the African Military Games, a prestigious event that brings together military personnel from across the African continent to compete in various sporting disciplines.
“This event, which is scheduled to commence from 18 November to 30 November 2024, presents a unique opportunity for our armed forces to showcase their skills, foster camaraderie amongst participants and strengthen military cooperation and partnership.
“The hosting of the African Military Games in Abuja is not only a testament to Nigeria’s commitment to promoting peace and security in the region, but also an opportunity to demonstrate our capabilities as a host nation.”
The games, he noted, will provide a platform for armed forces of Nigeria to “compete at an international level, exchange best practices with their counterparts from other African countries, and build lasting relationships that will contribute to the overall security and stability of the continent.”
The CDS also announced the finalization of preparation for the games, including putting in place the necessary infrastructure and logistics support to host the event.
He expressed optimism that Nigeria armed forces will rise to the occasion and make the nation proud with their performance on and off the field.
He added “It is a message that this noble opportunity to host the continent will bring significant benefits to the Federal Capital Territory and the nation at large, including economic and sports development, global recognition, and national pride.
“Let us therefore come together to ensure a heat free event. Let me use this opportunity to once again deeply appreciate our President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Tinubu, for his persistent backing and encouragement to the Armed Forces in attaining these enviable feats.”
While thanking the Honorable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Wike, for his unflinching support to host the auspicious event in the FCT at a very short period, he also thanked all those who have contributed one way or the other to make the event possible.
He also expressed appreciation to the Honorable Minister of Defence, Honourable Minister of State, the Permanent Secretary of Defence.
“We need all Nigerians to come out to support the teams. Let us show the hospitality that is known of Nigerians and Nigeria. We are looking forward to a very wonderful competition.
“I therefore urge citizens and friends to come out en masse and show their support for Armed Forces as they prepare to compete in the African Military Games. Let us together, as a nation, celebrate the spirit of sportsmanship, camaraderie, and unity that this event embodies.” he stated.
The Chairman, Local Organising Committee, Air Vice Marshal Abidemi Marquis, was confident that the games was going to be the most attended African Military Games.
Noting that the first edition took place 20 years ago with 21 nations attending, he disclosed that all the facilities required for the games have been upgraded.
“The facilities are being made ready for these athletes to compete among themselves. Federations are also working with us. All the officials are drawn from the 19 federations in Nigeria.
“Also, some of the world bodies sent some of their judges and referees to partake in this competition. There will be double tests to ensure that this game is done fairly. Vehicles will be made available to organize people to the national stadium.
“We just hope that our citizens and those in the contiguous states will come and make it a family affair. We want to make it a family affair.”
He disclosed that all the diverse cultures in Nigeria will participate at the games .
“It’s going to be a fusion of military parade, Nigerian culture with the entertainment industry. All the people in the sporting ecosystem, the supporting of the regional sport commission, the involved sport writing association of Nigeria, the involved corporate bodies, governments are also involved.
“We hope all Nigerians will invite themselves. These 12 days, we should come out and have fun.
According to him, the opening ceremony will start on Wednesday, while all the participants are expected to come in from 3 p.m.
