By Salisu Sani-Idris
President Bola Tinubu has called on the military across Africa to unite in addressing insecurity and other threats to the continent’s unity and stability.
Tinubu, represented by the Vice-President Kashim Shettima, made the call on Wednesday while declaring open the second edition of the Africa Military Games (AMGA) at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
The games with the theme, “Enhancing Military Cooperation in Africa through Sports,” marks a revival of the tradition initiated over 20 years ago in Nairobi, Kenya.
The president observed that no single nation can tackle 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,” Tinubu said.
He acknowledged the significance of the games in strengthening Africa’s collective security efforts.
The president said, ” This occasion is more than a gathering of extraordinary athletes; it is an undeniable reminder of the cooperation that binds the military institutions across our continent.
“Today, we reaffirm the promise of what we can achieve when we stand together—not just as neighbours, but as guardians of a continent that depends on your valour, sacrifices, and unyielding dedication.”
Tinubu commended the Chief of Defense Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, and President of the Organisation of Military Sports in Africa (OSMA), Maj.-Gen. Maikano Abdullahi, for their leadership in reviving the event.
He emphasised the role of sports in promoting physical fitness, discipline, and resilience among military personnel, vital traits for addressing Africa’s diverse security challenges.
“Sports not only keep us physically fit but also infuse core values such as integrity, excellence, and discipline.
” When our men and women are fit, they are better equipped to confront the challenges of their duties with resilience and confidence,” he said.
Tinubu also underscored the broader importance of unity in tackling the continent’s security threats.
He said, ” The security challenges we face cannot be addressed through kinetic measures alone. We must deepen the friendships and partnerships that have long existed among us.
“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”.
Earlier, Musa explained that the second edition of the games was a celebration of the physical prowess of military athletes.
He added that the event was also an opportunity to showcase the bond that binds the armed forces across the African continent.
According to him, the games are a reminder of the power of cooperation and friendship.
He urged the 1,625 athletes and officials from across Africa participating in the games to imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship, as they engage each other in the various sporting events.
Musa assured that the Armed Forces of Nigeria would continue to project its partnership with the other armed forces across Africa.
This, according to him, is in the bid to enhance the capacity to defend the territorial integrity of countries across the region.
Also, President of the Organisation of Military Sports in Africa (OSMA), Maj.-Gen. Abdullahi said the hosting of the second edition of the games in Nigeria is in realisation of the vision of the founding fathers of OSMA.
He said that the vision was to foster unity, friendship and solidarity among the armed forces across Africa.
The president paid glowing tributes to the commitment of the President of Nigeria and the founding fathers of OSMA.
Abdullahi said the games provide a platform to showcase the rich heritage and talents inherent in the armed forces of Africa.
He urged the participants to compete fiercely and fairly, reigniting the bond that unites all the military forces across the continent.
The opening ceremony featured callisthenics display, performances by different artists, hoisting of the OSMA and AMGA flags, oath-taking ceremony by the athletes and officials, as well as the symbolic lighting of the games torch by the vice-president. (NAN)
