African Military Games: Over 3,000 Athletes To Converge On Abuja
By: Wisdom Acka
More than 3,000 athletes and officials are expected in Abuja for the forthcoming African Military Games.
This was disclosed at a joint press conference organized by the Nigeria Army and the FCT Administration at the FCTA Secretariat in Area 11, Garki, Abuja, on Thursday.
The Minister while pledging every necessary support to the Military for a successful hosting, stated that the visitors would return to their home countries with good impression and news about Abuja and Nigeria.
“Where you have over 3,000 people coming to a city, you can see what they will go back with. They will be our ambassadors, and tell outsiders that, indeed, Abuja is one of the best cities in Africa and indeed, Nigeria is really moving forward. On our part, we have said so before and I want to reiterate that this opportunity, we will not let it go,” he said.
His words: “We will do everything to give you the necessary support so you can have a successful hosting and your colleagues will be proud of you”.
Stressing the economic benefits of the games, Wike said the visitors would lodge in hotels, transport from one point to another, and feed, which would greatly stimulate Abuja’s economy.
The Minister commended the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, for “taking the bull by the horns” in hosting the event twenty three years after the hosting rights were given to Nigeria at its first edition in Kenya.
He said: “Let me thank the Chief of Defence Staff and his team for giving Abuja the opportunity to be the chief host of this all-important military games that involves all countries in Africa. You may not understand the impact this will have on their citizens and Nigerians in general.”
“First of all, you will come to appreciate the fact that FCT, the capital of Nigeria, is safe, and to that extent, Nigeria is safe”, he assured.
On his part, the Chief of Defence Staff, stated that the African Military Games was a “prestigious event that brings together military personnel from across the African continent to compete in various sporting disciplines.
He disclosed that the event would hold from 18th to 30th November 2024; adding that it would “present a unique opportunity for our Armed Forces to showcase their skills, foster comaraderie amongst participants, and strengthen military cooperation and partnership.”
According to him, the games was another means of the military’s non-kinetic operations.
General Musa highlighted that hosting the event was “not only a testament to Nigeria’s commitment to promoting peace and security in the region, but also an opportunity to demonstrate our capabilities as a host nation.”
“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 said.
While commending the FCT Minister for his support, the CDS urged “all well-meaning Nigerians and corporate organizations to show their support for our Armed Forces as they prepare to compete in the African Military Games.”
“Let us come together as a nation to celebrate the spirit of sportsmanship, camaraderie, and unity that this event embodies. Let us show them the love and hospitality that Nigerians have”, he charged.
