President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged African militaries to join forces to tackle insecurity and foster unity across the continent. The president made the appeal during the opening ceremony of the 2nd edition of the Africa Military Games at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, on Wednesday.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu described the event as a platform to promote military cooperation and camaraderie among African nations. He emphasized that collective security is essential for the continent's stability, stating,
"No single nation can address its security challenges alone. Our collective safety demands that we stand together as one united Africa."
The Games, themed “Enhancing Military Cooperation in Africa through Sports,” revive a tradition first held over two decades ago in Nairobi, Kenya. The event brings together 1,625 athletes and officials from various African nations to compete in sports while promoting unity.
Tinubu commended military leaders, including Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and Major General Maikano Abdullahi, President of the Organisation of Military Sports in Africa (OSMA), for reviving the initiative. He also highlighted the importance of sports in fostering discipline, resilience, and fitness among military personnel.
The ceremony featured a variety of performances, including a callisthenics display, flag hoisting, an oath-taking ceremony, and the lighting of the game torch by Vice President Shettima.
General Musa, in his remarks, urged participants to embrace sportsmanship, emphasizing the Games' role in strengthening bonds among African militaries. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to enhancing regional security through partnerships with other armed forces across the continent.
The event was attended by dignitaries including Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas (represented), Defence Ministers Abubakar Badaru and Bello Matawalle, service chiefs, and senior military officials from participating countries.
The Africa Military Games symbolize a shared commitment to building a safer and more united Africa through sports and cooperation.
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