The Minister of FCT, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has commended the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa for his visionary initiative to ensure the conduct of the African Military Games in Nigeria, pointing out that the Defence Chief has taken the bull by the horn to showcase the FCT to the world as well as the cultural and sporting heritage of Nigeria to Africa and the world at large.
The Minister made the call during a world press conference recently to herald the upcoming African Military Games (AMGA), in his office in Abuja.
Acting Director Defence Information, Brig General Tukur Gusau disclosed this in a press statement made available for newsmen in Abuja.
The Minister noted that the military is not just all about fighting wars but also endowed with talented sportsmen and women.
He also stated that the AMGA would enable African Military to know themselves, their challenges better, and share ideas for workable solutions.
He pledged to accord the AFN the necessary support for a hitch-free conduct of the games in AbuAbuja.
In his remarks the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa made a clarion call to well-meaning Nigerians to support the development and conduct of sporting activities in Nigeria and Africa at large.
He revealed that African Military Games, which is an enabling opportunity for Nigeria to demonstrate its determination to ensure unity and stability in Africa would help boost the image of Nigeria and build camaraderie among African countries.
He disclosed that Military put every necessary things in place to host the games in Abuja.
He therefore expressed his gratitude to President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for his support to Armed Forces of Nigeria, Honourable Minister of FCT for accepting to host the games in Abuja and Honourable Minister of Sports for his contributions to sports in Nigeria.
It could be recalled that the maiden edition of AMGA was held in Kenya 19 years ago. Afterwards, Nigeria was granted a hosting right for the games. However, due to security challenges, the country was unable to host the games.
Following the appointment of the CDS last year, he began to nurse the idea of hosting the AMGA 2024 in Nigeria. A total of 42 out of 54 African countries will participate in the games scheduled for 18 to 30 November 2024 in Abuja.
“The games will provide a platform for our armed forces 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”.
He thanked the FCT Minister for being a wonderful host and expressed confidence that the event would meet international standards and bring global recognition to the country..
Speaking at the briefing, the President of the Organization of Military Sports in Africa (OSMA), Major General Maikano Abdullahi, commended the state of sports facilities in the FCT and said all neighbouring countries would be participating in the Games, which he said was aimed at promoting friendship through sports among military personnel in Africa.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee for the 2024 Africa Military Games, Air Vice Marshal Abidemi Marquis, who disclosed the theme for the event as “Enhancing Military Cooperation Through Sports,” said at least 3000 athletes and officials were expected from 42 countries that have indicated interest in participating in the Games.
Present at the briefing were very senior officers from the Defence and Service Headquarters and the FCTA.