President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to eradicating security threats and violent crimes in Nigeria.
He also emphasized his resolve to stabilize the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and promote peace across Africa in his capacity as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.
The President made this declaration on Saturday during the closing ceremony of the African Military Games 2024 in Abuja, as conveyed in a statement by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President).
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu highlighted the importance of fostering camaraderie among African militaries to enhance security collaboration on the continent.
“Let me use this opportunity to reaffirm my administration’s determination to rid Nigeria of security threats and violent crimes,” Tinubu stated.
“As ECOWAS Chairman, I am equally committed to stabilizing the sub-region and ensuring the prosperity of the entire African continent. To achieve this vision, strengthening ties across African countries and fostering camaraderie among our troops remains a top priority.”
The President lauded the African Military Games as a vital platform for enhancing collaboration in addressing insecurity. He noted that the event, held 20 years after its first edition, reflects a renewed commitment to building unity among African armed forces.
“The spirit of comradeship and friendship demonstrated here is crucial for fostering cooperation among our militaries,” Tinubu said. He also emphasized the role of sports in maintaining the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of military personnel to ensure they are equipped to meet evolving security challenges.
Tinubu praised the vision of Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and the President of the Organisation of Military Sports in Africa (OSMA), Major General Maikano Abdullahi, for successfully organizing the event.
Declaring the African Military Games 2024 officially closed, President Tinubu congratulated the delegates from participating countries for their professionalism and sportsmanship.
“You have shown that you are not only military personnel but also remarkable sportsmen and women,” he said. “The games have been conducted seamlessly, which is an achievement that all Africans should take pride in.”
General Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff, commended the participants, describing the games as a unifying event that showcased courage, skill, and sportsmanship. “Victory is not just about crossing the finish line first but about embodying the values of unity and resilience,” Musa noted.
Similarly, OSMA President Major General Abdullahi hailed the event as a testament to the cooperation and unity among Africa’s armed forces.
He applauded the athletes for transcending borders and differences to compete under a shared vision of peace and camaraderie.
Team Nigeria emerged as the overall winner of the games, securing a total of 234 medals: 114 gold, 65 silver, and 55 bronze. Algeria finished in second place with 96 medals, followed by Kenya in third with 50 medals.
