African militaries must unite for security, stability — President Tinubu
…declares open 2nd Africa Military Games after two-decade hiatus
By Kunle Sanni
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for greater unity among African militaries to confront the continent’s shared security challenges.
He made the appeal on Wednesday during the official opening of the second edition of the Africa Military Games (AMGA) in Abuja, emphasizing the event’s significance in fostering camaraderie, military cooperation, and continental solidarity.
The Games, themed “Enhancing Military Cooperation in Africa through Sports,” mark the revival of a tradition that began over 20 years ago in Nairobi, Kenya.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, President Tinubu noted that no single nation can address its security issues in isolation.
“Our collective safety and the well-being of our people demand that we stand together, shoulder to shoulder, as one united Africa,” he said, describing the Games as a vital platform to strengthen African security efforts.
“This occasion is more than a gathering of extraordinary athletes; it is a reminder of the cooperation that binds military institutions across our continent,” Tinubu stated.
“Today, we reaffirm the promise of what we can achieve together—not just as neighbours, but as guardians of a continent reliant on your valour, sacrifices, and unyielding dedication.”
The President commended the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, General C.G. Musa, and the President of the Organisation of Military Sports in Africa (OSMA), Major General Maikano Abdullahi, for reviving the Games.
He also highlighted the role of sports in fostering discipline, resilience, and physical fitness, which are critical for military readiness.
“Sports instill values like integrity, excellence, and discipline, which are essential for confronting the challenges our men and women face in their duties,” Tinubu said.
He emphasized the need for deeper partnerships across Africa, stating, “Security challenges cannot be solved through kinetic measures alone. We must deepen friendships and partnerships among us. When one nation in our shared geography is under threat, none of us can declare our continent secure.”
Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Musa, described the Games as more than a showcase of athleticism, highlighting their role in promoting the bonds uniting African armed forces.
While urging the 1,625 athletes and officials from participating nations to embrace the spirit of sportsmanship as they compete across various events, he further reaffirmed the Nigerian Armed Forces’ commitment to partnerships with their African counterparts to strengthen regional security and protect territorial integrity.
Similarly, OSMA President Maj. Gen. Maikano Abdullahi lauded the Games as a realization of OSMA’s founding vision to foster unity, friendship, and solidarity among Africa’s militaries.
He called on participants to compete fiercely and fairly, celebrating the rich heritage and talents within the continent’s armed forces.
The opening ceremony featured a callisthenics display, cultural performances, the hoisting of OSMA and AMGA flags, an oath-taking ceremony by athletes and officials, and the symbolic lighting of the Games torch by Vice President Shettima.
Dignitaries at the event included Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas (represented by Hon. Babajimi Benson, Chairman of the House Committee on Defence); Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar Badaru; Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle; Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Alh. Shehu Dikko; Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar; heads of delegation from participating countries, and senior military officers.
