Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has reiterated that the forthcoming Africa Military Games will showcase the potential of the FCT and Nigeria to Africa and the world.
Barrister Wike said this in Abuja on Thursday, October 10, 2024, during a World Press Conference held jointly with the Defence Headquarters on the forthcoming Africa Military Games scheduled for November 18th to 30th in the FCT.
He said the games will be an opportunity to send a message across the world that the FCT and, indeed, the entire country is safe and thanked the Chief of Defence of Staff, General Christopher Musa, for bringing the games to the FCT.
“What you have done is to take the bull by the horns by showcasing Nigeria and Abuja, in particular, to the entire of Africa and the world.
“You may not understand the impact this will have on the FCT and Nigeria. First of all, they will come to appreciate the fact that FCT, the capital of Nigeria, is safe, and to that extent, Nigeria is safe.
“Where you have over 3000 people coming to the city at a go, 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 moving forward”.
Barrister Wike who also stated that the military is not just about warfare, further noted that the Games will be an avenue for athletes within the armed forces also to showcase their sporting talents. He reaffirmed the FCT Administration’s commitment to hosting the event successfully.
“On our part, we have said so before, and I want to reiterate that this opportunity, we will not let it go. We will do everything to support you for a successful hosting, and your colleagues will be proud of you.
“So many people do not understand that the military is not only about going to fight wars. The military should also relax. The military has people who are boxers, good wrestlers, and good footballers, and trying to relate with their colleagues is key.
“You can imagine, from the 18th of November to the 30th of November, the kind of social activities that will take place and relax people.
“So, Chief of Defence Staff, I thank you for asserting that Nigeria should host this all-important game. The time is not on our side. 18th of November is almost just one month away. So, we should do all that we can and work round the clock to make sure that we achieve this.
“On the part of the FCT, be sure that we are going to give all the necessary support and make sure that security is tight in the FCT”, the Minister stressed.
Speaking earlier, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, said the Africa Military Games is a prestigious event that brings together military personnel from across the African continent to compete in various sporting disciplines.
He said the event will bring significant benefits to the FCT and provide an opportunity for the armed forces to showcase their skills, foster camaraderie among participants, and strengthen military cooperation and partnerships.
“The hosting of the African military Games is a testament to Nigeria’s commitment to promoting peace and security in the region and an opportunity to demonstrate our capability as the 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 thanked the FCT Minister for being a wonderful host and expressed confidence that the event would meet international standards and bring global recognition to the country.
Speaking at the briefing, the President of the Organization of Military Sports in Africa (OSMA), Major General Maikano Abdullahi, commended the state of sports facilities in the FCT and said all neighbouring countries would be participating in the Games, which he said was aimed at promoting friendship through sports among military personnel in Africa.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee for the 2024 Africa Military Games, Air Vice Marshal Abidemi Marquis, who disclosed the theme for the event as “Enhancing Military Cooperation Through Sports,” said at least 3000 athletes and officials were expected from 42 countries that have indicated interest in participating in the Games.
Present at the briefing were very senior officers from the Defence and Service Headquarters and the FCTA.
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