The Nigerian Chief of Defence Staff, CDS General Christopher Musa, says sports are one of the vegetable tools of non-kinetic efforts in tackling the multi-dimensional security threats in the country and globally.
He said the armed forces have in the past brought athletic glory to their respective countries through their participation in international athletic events.
General Musa made this known during the closing ceremony of the Organisation of Military Sports in Africa, OSMA 8th General Assembly in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
According to him, it is the desired downfall of Nigeria under his watch to restore these glorious days by using the platform provided by OSMA in the Council of the International Military Support System as well as the Olympics.
The Defence Chief said that “the Commonwealth, all African games, and the Invictus games, respectively, since his assumption of office as a team of the first half of Nigeria, found sports as one of the tools fighting insurgency in the country.”
He said also that “he envisioned that the promotion, of course, is a vital video to enhance unity and cooperation among members of the Armed Forces, their families, and the general populace as ensuring his leadership concept with a focus on the people-centric approach.”
He noted that the event was aimed at fostering existing co-relationships among the various armed forces in Africa.
He commended the organisers of this event for providing some forum for collaboration and deepening their relationship among the member states. Without a doubt, the objective was achieved, and this is premised.
According to him, the General Assembly came at a time when good working relationships between African countries were ultimately required to overcome the anonymity of security challenges across the continent.
“The ability and capacity of us to nurture this desired bond can never be overemphasised, and as such, our citizens will be the ultimate beneficiaries of this collaboration. In all spares across the continent, it is common knowledge that and keeping with the elements of nurturing people, citizenship, and collaboration in my leadership concepts,’’ he said.
Unforeseen Nigeria has also started a sports recovery programme through the Invictus programme foundation for our wounded and 6 soldiers to manage post-traumatic stress disorder. Based on this, we are gradually observing positive behavioural and mental changes among those involved in or influenced by sports, he added.
Earlier, the President of OSMA, Major General Maikano Abdullahim, expressed his appreciation to the Chief of Defence Staff and all the delegates, participants, and security agencies that graced the occasion.
He said, “For the approval and support of OSMA to the contest as well as providing necessary incentives, motivation and requirements for his re-election as the OSMA President and by God’s grace I’ll be voted as the world vice president in Tanzania.”
The Chief Delegate from Nigeria, Air Vice Marshal Abidemi Marquis and the Chairman Organizing Committee said for the OSMA President to be re-elected for another 4 years by the entire team of delegates 30 attended is an indication of the confidence they have for Nigeria and will not let them down.
He said that “re-electing OSMA President is historical in the sense that for the first time in Nigeria, you know, occupying the seat of this wonderful organisation for the first time.”
He said, “For the first time, elections were held in Nigeria non oppose because they all understood the power inherent in sports diplomacy as all witnessed that 30 nations visited Nigeria. This is very huge. This particular time they are coming to Nigeria is changing the narrative about the security in Nigeria”.
Also said that for the African music games that are coming in November, they expect about 3,000 athletes and officials.
So for us in the office of Nigeria, this is huge. Aside from the force multiplier economically, it’s also a plus for them because people are coming to the nation to interact with our people. When they finish and go back to their country, they will be the projectors of what they have seen in Nigeria.
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