By Okosun Dennis
The OSMA President, Brigadier General Maikano Abdullahi has conferred on the Nigerian Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lt General Lucky Irabor with the title of Grand Patron of the Organization of Military Sports in Africa (OSMA), and also named Chief Host of forthcoming Sahel Military Games.
A brief ceremony held at the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), Abuja had in attendance 38 delegates from the Armed Forces of African countries in the Sahel region including the CISM Secretary-General, Colonel Mambi Koita and OSMA Secretary-General, Captain Djendola Pierre.
Gen Irabor, who appreciated the leadership of the apex military sporting body in Africa for his conferment as the Grand Patron of CISM, OSMA and the Chief Host of Sahel Military Games, said he was in full support of hosting the forthcoming Sahel games, under the auspices of OSMA.
He further stated that the sporting festival would surely contribute significantly in assisting the Armed Forces in the realization of the political mandate of maintaining peace and harmony in order to allow social economic activities to strive in Africa.
According to Lt Gen Irabor, “sports remain a veritable instrument for not just friendship and diplomacy, but equally for promotion of global peace and conflict resolutions.”
The Defence Chief maintained that members of the armed forces remain tools for policy implementation in the actualization of peace and stability in trouble spots both in the Africa Sub-region in particular and the world in general.
The CDS who thanked the various sponsors, assured the organization of his commitment to providing the right ambience towards the successful hosting of the Sahel games, noting that he looked forward to a more engaging time during the sporting competition.
The OSMA President, Brig-Gen Maikano Abdullahi said the investiture honour on the CDS was in recognition of his support towards the Association since he took over the mantle of leadership as the head of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. He added that CDS has remained a source of aspiration and encouragement to OSMA.
The OSMA President disclosed that the Sahel Games is strictly for members of the armed forces of the Sahel Region and is scheduled to take place from 9th to 19th October 2021 in Abuja.
In a statement signed by the Deputy Director, Defence Information, Air Commodore WAP Maigida, said the game is to promote peace and togetherness among the participating Africa countries.
They include Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Chad, Cameroun, Benin Republic and Nigeria, adding that laurels to be won during the championship would be in the game of football, marathon race, amongst others.
https://any.peopleandpowermag.com/osma-president-confers-grand-patron-of-organization-of-military-sports-in-africa-on-cds/
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