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"Tinubu Kicks Off 2024 Africa Military Games in Abuja: A Call for Unity Through Sports"

By Achimi Muktar

In a vibrant display of athleticism and military camaraderie, President Bola Tinubu officially launched the second edition of the Africa Military Games at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja on Wednesday. Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu called on African militaries to unite in tackling the continent’s persistent security and stability challenges.

A Historic Gathering of African Forces

Themed “Enhancing Military Cooperation in Africa through Sports,” the event revived a tradition first established over two decades ago in Nairobi, Kenya. With 1,625 athletes and officials from across Africa in attendance, the Games underscore the importance of collaboration and friendship among the continent’s armed forces.

“This occasion is more than a gathering of extraordinary athletes; it is a reminder of the cooperation that binds the military institutions across our continent,” Tinubu noted in his address.

He emphasized that no single nation can face its security challenges alone. “Our collective safety and the well-being of our people demand that we stand together, shoulder to shoulder, as one united Africa,” he said.

Sports as a Catalyst for Military Strength

President Tinubu commended the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and the President of the Organisation of Military Sports in Africa (OSMA), Major General Maikano Abdullahi, for their leadership in reviving the Games. He also highlighted the role of sports in promoting the physical and mental fitness necessary for military effectiveness.

“When our men and women are fit, they are better equipped to confront the challenges of their duties with resilience and confidence,” Tinubu said, adding that sports instill core values such as discipline, integrity, and excellence.

A Vision for Unity and Security

Beyond physical fitness, Tinubu underscored the symbolic importance of the Games in fostering unity among African nations. He argued that addressing the continent’s security challenges requires deepened partnerships and collaborations.

“As long as any nation within our shared geography remains under threat, none of us can declare our continent secure. Together, we will build a safer, stronger Africa,” he remarked.

Military Leaders Echo Tinubu’s Vision

Chief of Defence Staff, General Musa, described the Games as a celebration of not only athleticism but also the bonds that unite African armed forces. “This event reminds us of the power of cooperation and friendship,” he said, urging participants to embody the spirit of sportsmanship throughout the competition.

Major General Abdullahi, President of OSMA, reflected on the vision of the organization’s founding fathers, commending Nigeria’s leadership in hosting the event. He noted that the Games provide a platform to showcase the rich heritage and talent within Africa’s armed forces.

A Festive Opening Ceremony

The opening ceremony featured colorful displays, including callisthenics, performances by artists, and the symbolic lighting of the Games’ torch by Vice President Shettima. Athletes and officials took an oath of fairness, while the OSMA and AMGA flags were hoisted to mark the beginning of the competition.

Notable Attendees

Dignitaries at the event included the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, represented by House Committee on Defence Chairman Babajimi Benson; Minister of Defence Abubakar Badaru; Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle; and senior military officials, including Acting Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, and Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar.

The Road Ahead

As the Games unfold, they serve not only as a showcase of military athleticism but also as a beacon of unity and resilience in the face of Africa’s shared challenges. Tinubu’s call for solidarity and the collective efforts of African nations signal a renewed commitment to building a safer and more stable continent.