President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged the military across Africa to unite in addressing insecurity and other threats to the continent’s unity and stability.
President Tinubu spoke when he officially declared open the second edition of the Africa Military Games (AMGA) with the theme: Enhancing Military Cooperation in Africa through Sports, yesterday in Abuja.
The games were established to foster unity, camaraderie and military cooperation across the continent.
The return of the games marked a revival of the tradition initiated over 20 years ago in Nairobi, Kenya.
Speaking during the opening ceremony of the games at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, President Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, noted that no single nation can tackle its security challenges alone.
In a statement by a media aide in the Vice President’s Office, Stanley Nkwocha, the President said: “Our collective safety and the well-being of our people demand that we stand together, shoulder to shoulder, as one united Africa.”
The President acknowledged the significance of the Ggames in strengthening Africa’s collective security efforts.
He added: “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.”
Reflecting on the legacy of the games, President Tinubu hailed the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, and President of the Organisation of Military Sports in Africa (OSMA), Maj.-Gen. M. 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 President said.
President Tinubu also underscored the broader importance of unity in tackling the continent’s security threats, saying: “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.”
Gen. Musa said the second edition of the games was not just a celebration of the physical prowess of military athletes but an opportunity to showcase the bond among the armed forces across Africa.
He stressed that the games were a reminder of the power of cooperation and friendship, urging the 1,625 athletes and officials participating in various sporting events to imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship.
Also, Maj.-Gen. Abdullahi said the hosting of the second edition of the games in Nigeria was in realisation of the vision of the founding fathers of OSMA: to foster unity, friendship and solidarity among the armed forces across Africa.