The second African Military Games got off to an entertaining yet regimented start on Wednesday 20th November 2024 with the opening ceremony at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
The colourful opening ceremony began with the Calisthenics displays by pupils from different secondary schools accross the Federal Capital Territory amidst flight formation over the venue by the Nigerian Air Force jets.
The ceremony was also characterised by a colourful cultural display of Nigerian and African Cultural dances, as well as military displays and parade.
The Presidential Guards Brigade gave the finest of military parade and displays, while the Nigerian military band featured musical performances amidst cultural displays from various cultural groups to give the African Militaries a taste of Nigeria’s hospitality.
The Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa while addressing the participants encouraged the athletes to embibe the spirit of sportsmanship, compete with honour, comeradari while Fosng deeper cooperation among the African armed forces, building stronger ties for peace in Africa.
The The Prest, organisation of Military Sports in Africa (OSMA) Major General Abdullahi Maikano said sports is a powerful tool in promoting unity, peace tolerance amongs all the people of the world as it transcend borders and fosters mutual respect amongst countries in Africa.
r aim is unity among the armed forces and to bring peace in Africa, that is why our motto in OSOMA, friendship through sports. Let me reiterate that sports, that we are going to watch for the next 10 days or so, is a powerful tool used in promoting unity, peace, tolerance, understanding among all categories of people in the world, in respect of culture, religion and profession, like us members of the armed forces”
“Today, in Abuja, Nigeria, marks not just the commencement of a remarkable African military sporting festival with the theme: enhancing military cooperation in Africa through sports, but also a celebration of unity, strength and the indomitable spirit of our great continent, Africa. These games provide us with an extraordinary platform to showcase not only the endless prowess of our military personnel, but also the bond, solidarity, understanding that unites us as natives in our African continent”
The Chairman Local Organising Committee, Air Vice Marshal Abidemi Marquis while welcoming all delegates, athletes and officials said the games celebrate the spirit of unity, resilience and peace across the continent.
“This prestigious event celebrates not only the strength, discipline and camaraderie of our Armed Forces, but also the sheer spirit of unity, resilience and peace across our beloved continent. The African Military Games represents more than just a showcase of athletic prowess”
“It is a testament to the values that bind us, teamwork, perseverance and the pursuit of excellence. Through early competition, we foster deeper understanding and solidarity among nations, reminding us that despite our diverse cultures and backgrounds, we stand together as one” he stated.
The game’s torch was officially unveiled and handed over to the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who was represented by the vice president Kashim Shettima before it was lit to stand as flames that burn through the duration of the games.
The next few days will see athletes compete in various sports disciplines and also give African militaries the opportunity to interact outside of the battlefield.
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