President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, known as on the army throughout Africa to unite in addressing insecurity and different threats to the continent’s unity and stability.
He gave this cost when he declared open the second version of the Africa Army Video games on the Moshood Abiola Nationwide Stadium, Abuja.
Tinubu, represented on the occasion by Vice President Kashim Shettima, described the occasion as a historic platform to foster unity, camaraderie and army cooperation throughout the continent.
The Senior Particular Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Communication, Stanley Nkwocha, disclosed particulars of the ceremony in a press release he signed Wednesday titled ‘President Tinubu: Time has come for African army to shut ranks.’
The Video games, with the theme, “Enhancing Army Cooperation in Africa by means of Sports activities,” marks a revival of the custom initiated over 20 years in the past in Nairobi, Kenya.
The president reasoned that no single nation can deal with its safety challenges alone.
“Our collective security and the well-being of our folks demand that we stand collectively, shoulder to shoulder, as one united Africa,” he stated, acknowledging the importance of the Video games in strengthening Africa’s collective safety efforts.
He remarked, “This event is greater than a gathering of extraordinary athletes; it’s an simple reminder of the cooperation that binds the army establishments throughout our continent.
“At present, we reaffirm the promise of what we are able to obtain once we stand collectively—not simply as neighbours, however as guardians of a continent that is dependent upon your valour, sacrifices, and unyielding dedication.”
Reflecting on the legacy of the sport, Tinubu counseled the Chief of Defence Employees, Normal Christopher Musa and the President of the Organisation of Army Sports activities in Africa, Main Normal M. Abdullahi, for his or her management in reviving the occasion.
The President emphasised the position of sports activities in selling bodily health, self-discipline, and resilience amongst army personnel, very important traits for addressing Africa’s numerous safety challenges.
“Sports activities not solely hold us bodily match but in addition infuse core values corresponding to integrity, excellence, and self-discipline.
“When our women and men are match, they’re higher geared up to confront the challenges of their duties with resilience and confidence,” he stated.
Tinubu additionally underscored the broader significance of unity in tackling the continent’s safety threats.
“The safety challenges we face can’t be addressed by means of kinetic measures alone. We should deepen the friendships and partnerships which have lengthy existed amongst us.
“So long as any nation inside our shared geography stays underneath risk, none of us can declare our continent safe. Collectively, we’ll construct a safer, stronger Africa,” he argued.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chief of Defence of Employees, Gen. Musa, defined that the second version of the video games is not only a celebration of the bodily prowess of army athletes however a chance to showcase the bond that binds the armed forces throughout the African continent.
Musa noticed that the video games are a reminder of the facility of cooperation and friendship, simply as he urged the 1,625 athletes and officers throughout Africa collaborating within the video games to imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship as they interact one another in varied sporting occasions.
The Protection Chief additionally affirmed that the Nigerian Armed Forces will proceed to undertaking its partnership with the opposite armed forces throughout Africa all within the bid to reinforce the capability to defend the territorial integrity of nations throughout the area.
In the meantime, the President of the Organisation of Army Sports activities in Africa, Maj. Gen. Maikano Abdullahi stated the internet hosting of the second version of the video games in Nigeria is within the realisation of the imaginative and prescient of the founding fathers of OSMA, which is to foster unity, friendship and solidarity among the many armed forces throughout Africa.
Whereas paying glowing tributes to the dedication of the President of Nigeria and the founding fathers of OSMA, Abdullahi stated the video games present a platform to showcase the wealthy heritage and skills inherent within the armed forces of Africa.
He urged individuals to compete fiercely and pretty, reigniting the bond that unites all of the army forces throughout the continent.
The opening ceremony featured a callisthenics show, performances by totally different artists, hoisting of the OSMA and AMGA flags, an oath-taking ceremony by the athletes and officers, and the symbolic lighting of the sport torch by the Vice President.
Additionally current on the occasion had been the Speaker of the Home of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, represented by the Chairman of the Home Committee on Defence, Babajimi Benson; Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru; Minister of State for Protection, Bello Matawalle; Chairman, Nationwide Sports activities Fee, Shehu Dikko; Performing Chief of Military Employees, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Naval Employees, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla; Chief of Air Employees, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, heads of delegation from the collaborating international locations and different senior army officers, amongst others.