The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) in Abuja has announced that it has finalized preparations to host the 2nd Africa Military Games, set to take place in Abuja in November 2024. This two-week event will feature military athletes from 54 African nations, including Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, which have recently exited the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
During a media briefing, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Abidemi Marquis, the Director of Sports at the Defence Headquarters, shared that despite tensions within ECOWAS, military athletes from Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Guinea have expressed interest in participating in the games. These games will be held from November 5 to 18 at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.
Marquis highlighted that the event, themed “Enhancing Military Cooperation in Africa Through Sport,” will provide a platform for African countries to interact and maintain good relationships. Both male and female athletes will compete in 19 sporting events. President Bola Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, will serve as the grand patron of the games, with the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, acting as the patron. The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, will be the chief host, while the service chiefs will act as co-hosts.
Marquis emphasized that the games aim to strengthen camaraderie and cooperation among African countries and enhance security on the continent. He noted that 43 nations had already submitted their preliminary agreements to participate in sports such as badminton, boxing, basketball, combat swimming, football, golf, judo, kickboxing, obstacle crossing, shooting, squash, table tennis, lawn tennis, taekwondo, volleyball, and wrestling.
He also pointed out the significant benefits of hosting the games, including boosting tourism and stimulating the economy. “For Nigeria, hosting these games will increase tourist arrivals, project Nigeria to the world, and boost economic growth through spending on accommodation, food, transportation, souvenirs, and other goods and services,” Marquis said.
Additionally, Marquis mentioned that the games would spur infrastructure development, such as hotels, improving the lives of citizens. Major General Abdullahi Maikano, President of OSMA, added that OSMA, a non-political organization, aims to unite all African militaries through sports.
He mentioned that Nigeria was granted the hosting rights after 24 years due to its capability and expressed confidence that the event would be a success. Maikano also highlighted that athletes from other African countries, such as Ghana, have already entered camp and indicated their interest in participating. The Ambassador of Burkina Faso has assured that their military athletes will also participate.
“Our aim is to have all 54 member nations of Africa participate, under the motto ‘Peace in Africa.’ Nigeria will play a significant role in achieving peace in Africa through this event,” Maikano said. Despite the ongoing crisis, the Sudanese military has shown interest in participating, and Maikano stated he would continue to campaign for more countries to join.
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