The Nigerian Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor says physical fitness remains the cornerstone of making combat readiness for Armed Forces in the Sahel region.
He made this known during the opening ceremony of the first edition of the Chief of Defence Staff, Organization of Military Sports in Africa Sahel Countries Military Games for Peace and Solidarity held in Abuja.
General Irabor said, “In organizing the competition, the Armed Forces in the Sahel region will continue to maintain a high level of mental alertness and physical fitness.”
He added that the exercise would enable personnel to carry out their duties professionally and also give them the platform to carry their mission successfully.
The Defence Chief said “It is important that the Armed Forces of all Nations must ensure that personnel remain physical and mental prepared at all times as this will enhance productivity in their various duty and assignment.
“This non-kinetic operation is to mitigate the war against insurgency and banditry within the Sahel countries as they faced with security challenges.”
He added that this would help personnel in tackling security challenges facing the countries.
“This competition will foster comradeship among personnel in a bit to meet details professional calling adding that it will promote synergy through sports interactions and cement African brotherhood,” the General said.
According to the Guest Speaker, the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, the ceremony awakes the spirit of comradeship and friendship in the Sahel regions even beyond.
Dr Onu noted that; “There is no doubt that the Sahel region has the greatest challenges in terms of political instability and crisis in the continents.
“Building friendship through sports and better understanding among countries in the region is not only creative but innovative.”
He also added that; “When soldiers from various countries come together in a peaceful environment to play games on the same field, it is a new dawn that marks a new beginning,” which he described as manure that fertilized true love, cooperation, and brotherhood.
“The competition will also help to solve many security challenges in the region.”
The Minister commended the OSMA President for the initiative saying it will promote effective service delivery.
The OSMA President commended the Chief of Defence Staff, service chiefs and other individuals and organisations for their support and sponsorship
Nine countries participated at the opening ceremony during the match past which include Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Guinea Conakry, Congo Brazzaville Kenya, Mali, Tanzania and Chad.
PIAK
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