President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to eradicating all forms of security threats and violent crimes in Nigeria.
Speaking on Saturday at the closing ceremony of the African Military Games 2024 in Abuja, Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, pledged to stabilize the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and contribute to peace across Africa as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.
A statement issued on Sunday by the vice president’s spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, quoted Tinubu as saying:
“Let me use this opportunity to declare the resolve and unflinching commitment of my administration to rid the nation of security threats and violent crimes. Moreover, as 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.”
Tinubu lauded the return of the African Military Games after two decades, emphasizing its relevance in enhancing collaboration to address the continent’s security challenges. He expressed confidence that the event would strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation among African armed forces.
Highlighting the significance of fitness in military readiness, Tinubu said:
“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.”
The President commended Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and the President of the Organisation of Military Sports in Africa (OSMA), Major General M. Abdullahi, for their roles in organizing a successful event.
Declaring the Africa Military Games Abuja 2024 closed, Tinubu congratulated participating nations for their exemplary conduct and sportsmanship.
“Given the professionalism you all displayed throughout this Games, you gentlemen and ladies are indeed not only military personnel but also great sportsmen and women,” he said.
Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Christopher Musa and OSMA President Maj. Gen. Maikano Abdullahi also lauded the event’s success, emphasizing its role in fostering unity, discipline, and cooperation among African armed forces.
Team Nigeria emerged as the overall winner, securing 114 gold, 65 silver, and 55 bronze medals, for a total of 234 medals. Algeria placed second with 96 medals, while Kenya secured third place with 50 medals.
