The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Christopher Musa has emphasized the importance of sports as part of the non-kenetic efforts in fighting vices in the society.
General Christopher Musa while interacting with Voice of Nigeria’s Defence and Security Correspondent Nokai Origin on the sidelines of the just concluded African Military Games in Abuja Nigeria’s Capital.
The CDS said he was happy with the excitement the sporting event brought to the atmosphere for the last few days of the games, describing sports as a major rallying point of unity in Nigeria.
Speaking in an interview with Voice of Nigeria’s Defence and Security Correspondent Nokai Origin at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, General Christopher Musa said it was important for Nigeria to take advantage of the games to also build capacity of athletes.
“in Nigeria, sports is what unites us the most, we want to use this as a medium to build the capacity of our sports men’s so that they can represent Nigeria, we all Nigerian is well blessed with a lot of talents from over two hundred million people. I can assure you the Armed Forces of Nigeria will go out scouting for athletes who are willing and committed to carry the Flag at World stage”
Speaking on the unity the Armed forces bring, he said the military in Nigeria stands as a symbol of unity, and national cohesion with the commitment to protect Nigeria’s democracy and the African Military Games gives expression to these values.
“The Armed forces is structured to have continuity, our leadership drive is wonderful and from the day you join the Armed Forces, the orientation is that you are a Nigerian, to protect Nigeria’s democracy, and you have to be loyal committed for everything you do”
“And so these are the things that keep us together and because we have a system that the senior ones nurture the junior ones, and this is what we want to also extend to the entire Nigerians to understand that, look, in the military, we don’t have religion, tribe, race or whatever, everybody is a Nigerian and we’re here for the purpose to keep Nigeria safe”
Talking about the tourism aspect that the games brought, General Musa said, it has showcased the Federal Capital Territory to everybody, debunking any orientation that might have been formed from news about Nigeria being dangerous, risky, and it is good that they came and witnessed for themselves.
“With this experience, I’m sure when they go out, they are going to be ambassadors of Nigeria wherever they are, it will also project Nigeria”
He emphasizes unity of African people in order for the continent to succeed and be prosperous. While admitting that there are challenges, he said unity of purpose and continuous cooperation can defeat the challenges.
“There are a lot of terrorism, a lot of insurgency all around, banditry and it’s affecting every country, not only Nigeria, everybody is facing, but it is when we come together that we can defeat this problem. Among the contingents here, we have from Mali, we have from Burkina Faso, we have from Libya, so it shows that, look, sports transcends all these issues, and that’s why we need to keep it so that we remain united” stated General Christopher Musa.
He applauded Voice of Nigeria for its coverage of the games and for providing the avenue that further the progress of the games.
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