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Tinubu opens 2024 Africa Military Games in Abuja
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday called on the militaries across Africa to unite in addressing insecurity and other threats to the continent’s unity and stability.
He gave this charge when he officially declared open the second edition of the Africa Military Games at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
Tinubu, represented at the event by Vice President Kashim Shettima, described the event as a historic platform to foster unity, camaraderie and military cooperation across the continent.
Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Communication, Stanley Nkwocha, revealed details of the ceremony in a statement he signed Wednesday titled ‘President Tinubu: Time has come for African military to close ranks.’
The Games, with the theme, “Enhancing Military Cooperation in Africa through Sports,” marks a revival of the tradition initiated over 20 years ago in Nairobi, Kenya.
The president reasoned that no single nation can tackle its security challenges alone.
Our collective safety and the well-being of our people demand that we stand together, shoulder to shoulder, as one united Africa,” he said, acknowledging the significance of the Games in strengthening Africa’s collective security efforts.
He remarked, “This occasion is more than a gathering of extraordinary athletes; it is an undeniable reminder of the cooperation that binds the military institutions across our continent.
“Today, we reaffirm the promise of what we can achieve when we stand together—not just as neighbours, but as guardians of a continent that depends on your valour, sacrifices, and unyielding dedication.”
Reflecting on the legacy of the game, President Tinubu commended the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa and the President of the Organisation of Military Sports in Africa, Major General M. Abdullahi, for their leadership in reviving the event.
The President emphasised the role of sports in promoting physical fitness, discipline, and resilience among military personnel, vital traits for addressing Africa’s diverse security challenges.
“Sports not only keep us physically fit but also infuse core values such as integrity, excellence, and discipline.
When our men and women are fit, they are better equipped to confront the challenges of their duties with resilience and confidence,” he said.
President Tinubu also underscored the broader importance of unity in tackling the continent’s security threats.
The security challenges we face cannot be addressed through kinetic measures alone. We must deepen the friendships and partnerships that have long existed among us.
“As long as any nation within our shared geography remains under threat, none of us can declare our continent secure. Together, we will build a safer, stronger Africa,” he argued.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chief of Defence of Staff, Gen. Musa, explained that the second edition of the games is not just a celebration of the physical prowess of military athletes but an opportunity to showcase the bond that binds the armed forces across the African continent.
Musa observed that the games are a reminder of the power of cooperation and friendship, just as he urged the 1,625 athletes and officials across Africa participating in the games to imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship as they engage each other in various sporting events.
The Defence Chief also affirmed that the Nigerian Armed Forces will continue to project its partnership with the other armed forces across Africa all in the bid to enhance the capacity to defend the territorial integrity of countries across the region.
Meanwhile, the President of the Organisation of Military Sports in Africa, Maj. Gen. Maikano Abdullahi, said the hosting of the second edition of the games in Nigeria is in realisation of the vision of the founding fathers of OSMA, which is to foster unity, friendship and solidarity among the armed forces across Africa.
While paying glowing tributes to the commitment of the President of Nigeria and the founding fathers of OSMA, Abdullahi said the games provide a platform to showcase the rich heritage and talents inherent in the armed forces of Africa.
He urged participants to compete fiercely and fairly, reigniting the bond that unites all the military forces across the continent.
The opening ceremony featured a callisthenics display, performances by different artists, hoisting of the OSMA and AMGA flags, an oath-taking ceremony by the athletes and officials, and the symbolic lighting of the game torch by the Vice President.
Also present at the event were the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, represented by the Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Babajimi Benson; Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru; Minister of State for Defense, Bello Matawalle; Chairman, National Sports Commission, 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 the participating countries and other senior military officers, among others.
***Says False Allegations Targeted at Derailing Massive Progress
The Coalition for Truth and Justice in Nigeria (CTJN) has commended Barrister Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), for his remarkable achievements in transforming the nation’s capital.
The CTJN said that false accusations against the Minister are aimed to derail the progress and frustrate his efforts.
The group, after an extensive appraisal of Wike’s achievements, said the Minister has proven critics wrong, demonstrating exceptional leadership and vision.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, convener Dr. Agabi Emmanuel said under Wike, infrastructure development has been prioritized, addressing population pressure, urban sprawl, and neglected areas.
Agabi noted that the FCT is being transformed into a useful and aesthetically pleasing capital, with proactive measures addressing housing, transportation, healthcare, and governance infrastructure.
He said Wike’s administration has addressed land grabbing, reclaiming illegally occupied lands for mass housing projects.
The group also said that judges now have befitting accommodations, and rural healthcare has seen significant investments while teacher welfare packages have been improved, and the FCT Civil Service Commission has been established to decentralize governance.
The Coalition recommends continued support from stakeholders, religious and traditional leaders promoting peaceful coexistence, and security agencies maintaining vigilance. Wike’s leadership represents a paradigm shift in governance and infrastructure development, creating a legacy worthy of duplication.
Given the right support, the group said Nigerians and FCT residents can expect improved living standards.
The Coalition commends Wike’s initiatives and encourages other states to replicate them. His achievements demonstrate commitment to equitable development, improved quality of life, and sustainable growth.
“Our findings revealed that the FCT administration under Barrister Neysom Wike indeed prioritized the provision of necessary infrastructures across the various area councils in the federal capital territory. In the past, the FCT has had problems because of population pressure, urban sprawl, and the disregard for important areas,” the statement said.
“Right now, FCT is being transformed into a useful and aesthetically pleasing capital thanks to the proactive measures made by Barrister Wike’s leadership to address these problems. In order to identify priority regions across the many area councils, the administration has used a rigorous approach.
“Undoubtedly, a functional road network is a critical factor to urban development, economic activities, and the general well-being of residents. Recognizing this, it was also observed that the FCT Administration under Barrister Nyesom Wike has undertaken a major renovation of the road network within the Federal Capital City Centre.
“This is evident in the news look of the city centre and other adjourning areas in the federal capital territory. The FCT administration has also commissioned new roads in areas that were neglected by successive administrations in the country. These efforts are not merely about repairing roads but transforming them to meet modern urban standards.
“The FCT administration, led by Barrister Wike, has made large investments in security, which is a fundamental component of any flourishing community. The FCT Administration under the leadership of Barrister Nyesom Wike has also addressed the notorious issue of land grabbing in the FCT.
“The honourable minister went a step further by reclaiming these lands which obviously are not backed with any legal or verifiable documents, and reallocating them for mass housing developmental projects. This is indeed commendable and a step in the right direction in addressing the housing deficit in the FCT while ensuring that land resources are utilized for the public good.
“The FCT administration under Barrister Nyesom Wike recently initiated steps towards providing befitting accommodation for judges. This in our opinion is brilliant and a welcome development in line with standard practices in other climes. It is believed that the members of the law deserve dignified living conditions.
“Supporting the judiciary is a step toward strengthening governance and promoting sustainable development. The Coalition for Truth and Justice in Nigeria recommends this brilliant initiative to other states in the country in our quest for sustainable growth and development.
“It is indeed a statement of the fact that the FCT administration has made substantial investments in improving access to healthcare for rural dwellers within the FCT. This much was recognized by the Coalition for Truth and Justice in the construction of new healthcare centres and the equipping of existing healthcare centres across the FCT. The value of lives and properties have been at the top priority of the working Minister.
“The FCT Administration under the leadership of Barrister Nyesom Wike has substantial improvements in the remuneration and welfare packages for school teachers in the FCT. This, in our opinion, is the manifestation of a premium placed on improving workers’ welfare in the FCT towards achieving a productive workforce to aid in the development of the FCT.
“The FCT Administration in an attempt to decentralize governance in the FCT, established the FCT Civil Service Commission with the appointment of nine permanent secretaries to oversee critical sectors of the FCT.
“The Coalition for Truth and Justice in Nigeria wishes to state in unequivocal terms that the FCT Administration under the leadership of Barrister Nyesom Wike has indeed fared brilliantly in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration.
“Barrister Nyesom Wike’s leadership of the FCT administration represents a paradigm shift in governance and infrastructure development which is unmatchable by no one so far. He has created a legacy of transformation that’s worthy of duplicity by any leader that wishes to make a difference. We commend his initiatives and encourages other states to replicate it”.
Miss Universe runner-up, Chidimma Adetshina, has announced her decision to quit pageantry.
Speaking during a recent interview with Silverbird TV, Adetshina said pageantry has been a traumatic experience for her.
She said she’s quitting for personal reasons and relocating to Nigeria from her estranged country, South Africa.
“Finishing in the top 2 [at the Miss Universe competition] is still a shocker for me… Honestly, I am done. Pageantry was a real traumatic experience for me,” she said.
“People still don’t understand how I felt. There were times when I almost quit during the Miss Universe contest. I’m really done with pageantry. I want to focus on myself and establish who I am. And forward my education as well.”
After finishing as 1st runner-up at the Miss Universe competition, Adetshina was named Miss Universe Africa and Oceania.
She won Miss Nigeria after withdrawing from the Miss South Africa contest after she attracted scrutiny over her nationality.
Coalition hails Wike’s massive achievements as FCT minister (Photos)
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I am done – Chidimma Adetshina quits pageantry
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