The Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor has charged representatives of the Nigerian Armed Forces participating at the coming Sahel Military Games to ensure that they are physically and mentally prepared to make the nation proud by winning laurels.
The Organization of Military Sport in Africa (OSMA) Sahel Games is slated to hold in Abuja between 9 - 17 October, 2021.
Irabor said as a combat force, the Nigerian military will continue to prioritize the mental and physical fitness and readiness of its personnel to defend the nation.
According to Gen Irabor, aside the modern weapon system, it is the personnel that are physically and mentally prepared that will make the difference in any conflict.
A statement by Director Defence Information, Maj. Gen. Benjamin Sawyerr on Saturday said General Irabor gave the charge while addressing the athletes during the closing ceremony of the Armed Forces Inter-Service Competition held in Abuja.
The CDS also encouraged the would-be sportsmen and women to commit their energy, concentration, hearts and minds to the training and come top in the tournament.
Gen Irabor, who was represented by the Chief of Defence Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal Dahiru Sanda, also commended the athletes for the sportsmanship and winning of laurels, which have led to their nomination for the Sahel games.
The CDS reassured Nigerians of the commitment of the military in the executing of its Constitutional roles, and also meeting the statutory responsibility of protecting the nation’s territorial integrity.
He thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for supporting the operational engagements of the military which is yielding successes in recent months.
The Chief of Defence Training and Operations (CDTOPS), Maj. Gen. Adeyemi Yekini earlier in his welcome address, said the Armed Forces Inter-Service competition was another landmark achievement under the current leadership of the Nigerian armed forces.
This feats, he said, has brought to the fore, the CDS strategy to promote and inculcate the core values of sporting activities, which are integrity, excellence and service delivery.
He further identified service efficiency and effectiveness, as well as fostering of espirit-de-corps, among the reason for hosting the Inter-Service Competition.
Speaking on preparation for the Sahel games, Gen Yekini, disclosed that a total of 189 athletes are expected to compete in football, marathon and golf games.
