Tinubu Commits to Fighting Insecurity and Bolstering ECOWAS at AMGA Closing Session
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated the administration’s dedication to bringing peace to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and ending insecurity in Nigeria.
The commitment was made by the president on Saturday during a vibrant event to commemorate the end of the 2024 African Military Games in Abuja.
In order to foster a strong sense of unity among the military on the continent, President Tinubu, who was represented at the ceremony by his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima, stated that he plans to achieve all of these goals by fortifying relationships among African nations.
Tinubu said in a statement released on Sunday by Stanley Nkwocha, his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President: “Let me take this opportunity to declare the resolve and unwavering commitment of my administration to rid the nation of violent crimes and security threats.”
“Moreover, as the ECOWAS Chairman, I want to emphasize my determination to stabilize the sub-region and indeed the entire African continent to ensure its prosperity.”
“To accomplish this vision, I consider strengthening ties across African countries to foster a deep sense of camaraderie among our troops as a priority”, he said.
He stated his strong conviction that the military sports competition will significantly contribute to reawakening the spirit of comradeship and friendship that is crucial to enhance cooperation among African armed forces.
President Tinubu emphasised the importance of the occasion by pointing out that “Armed Forces constantly require fit personnel thereby underscoring the need for military personnel to always engage in sporting activities.”
“As such, it is common knowledge that men and women of our Armed Forces must keep fit to ensure optimal physical, mental and emotional well-being to cope with the dynamics of our rapidly evolving volatile, uncertain and complex environment,” he added.
The Nigerian leader also praised General Christopher Musa, the country’s chief of defence staff, and Major General M. Abdullahi, the president of OSMA, for their vision in accomplishing this historic milestone.
President Tinubu praised representatives from participating nations throughout Africa for their exemplary behaviour and demonstration of sportsmanship as he announced the conclusion of the Africa Military Games Abuja 2024.
“Given the professionalism you all displayed from the start to finish of this Games, you gentlemen and ladies are indeed not only military personnel but also great sportsmen and women. I am aware that the various games were conducted without any obvious hitches. This is indeed an achievement which we all as Africans ought to be proud of,” he stated.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, applauded the Africa Military Games participants earlier in his opening remarks. He said, “On behalf of the Nigerian Armed Forces, it was with immense pride and gratitude that we celebrate what has been truly inspiring and a unifying event.”
Congratulating the teams that took part in the competition, Gen. Musa said that “while awards and trophies represent the pinnacle of achievement, irrespective of the ranking and position, everyone is a winner.”
He claimed that the bravery, talent, and sportsmanship displayed on the field, tracks, and courts have been motivational, demonstrating that winning is about more than just finishing first; it’s also about emulating the virtues of perseverance and solidarity.
“Over the past several days, the national stadium in Abuja has been the hub of canvassing for excellence and sportsmanship under the theme of enhancing military cooperation in Africa through sports,” General Musa stated.
He said: “We have noticed how sport can bridge boundaries, foster friendship and strengthen bonds among the armed forces of Africa.”
The president of the Organisation of Military Sports in Africa (OSMA), Maj. Gen. Maikano Abdullahi, also remarked in his goodbye speech that it was an honour and a source of pleasure to congratulate the athletes from the armed services as the event came to a close.
