By Olayemi Esan
The Organisation of Military Sports in Africa on Monday conferred the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor as its grand patron and chief host of forthcoming Sahel Military Games.
The Deputy Director Defence Information, Air Commodore Wap Maigida disclosed this in a statement made available to Defence correspondents in Abuja.
The OSMA President, Brigadier General Maikano Abdullahi carried out the installation in a brief ceremony at the Defence Headquarters Abuja on Tuesday.
Gen Irabor, in his remarks, appreciated the leadership of the apex military sporting body in Africa for the conferment.
The CDS stated that he is in full support of hosting games under the auspices of OSMA, stating that the sporting festival would contribute significantly in assisting the Armed Forces in realization of the mandate.
According to him, sports remain a veritable instrument for not just friendship and diplomacy, but equally for promotion of global peace and conflict resolutions.
The Defence Chief Staff maintained that members of the armed forces remain the tools for policy implementation in the actualization of peace and stability in trouble spots in the Africa Sub-region in particular, and the world in general.
The CDS who thanked the various sponsors, assured the organisation of his commitment in providing the right ambience towards the successful hosting of the tournament, noting that he looked forward to a more engaging time during the sporting competition.
The OSMA President, Brig Gen Maikano Abdullahi said the honour on the CDS was in recognition of his support towards the association since he took-over the mantle of leadership as the head of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
He added that Gen. Irabor has remained a source aspiration and encouragement to OSMA.
He similarly disclosed that the Sahel Games is strictly for members of the armed forces of the region and is scheduled to take place from 9 to 19 October 2021 in Abuja.
He said the games is to promote peace and togetherness among participating Africa countries including; Nigeria, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Chad, Cameroun and Benin Republic.
The OSMA president added that laurels to be won during the championship would be in the game of football, marathon race, amongst others.