…Libya,Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali confirms participation-General Musa
Folusho Alade, Abuja
Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, General Christopher Musa has assured Nigerians of the readiness of the Military to host a world class African Military Games , AMGA 2024.
According to him Nigeria culture will also be displayed as the Armed forces of Nigeria are set to host the 2nd Edition of the Games after several postponements.
Speaking to Journalist on Monday during a press briefing at the Moshood Abiola National stadium in Abuja, General Musa also confirmed the participation of Libya as well as West African neighbors, Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali despite fractured relationships with other members of Ecowas saying the Military is one big family.
In his words: “The Libyan contingent are on their way coming, Mali is coming, Burkina Faso is coming and Niger is coming. The essence is, all Africans, we want to participate in this and those that are able to do it, will do.
“Military all over the world is a big family, and we understand ourselves so we’re not into politics. This is a military event, we’ll come here and enjoy ourselves together. So we call on every body to cooperate with us. Nigerians are hospitable.
“Everybody knows Nigerians are hospitable. So it’s that hospitality that we want extended to our fellow Africans because we are all the same,” Musa said.
On security and level of preparedness of the Military and the hosts city Abuja, the CDS assured the security and safety of all participants.
According to him “we all live here, we know that things have improved greatly. We’ll continue to do that. This also part of our non-kinetic efforts. This is part of our soft power, presenting Nigeria and presenting how peaceful Abuja and Nigeria is.
“I can assure you that security is guaranteed. We are going to work together, all of us, to make sure that this is a success. It’s not a military activity alone, everybody has a role especially the media.” Musa promised.
According to General Christopher Musa, the African Military Games will highlight the continent’s armed forces through sports, fostering peace, cooperation, and partnerships among African countries.
Also speaking at the interactive section, chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Air Vice Marshall Abidemi Marquis, assured that significant preparations have been made to ensure the readiness of facilities, with upgrades and renovations completed to meet international standards , he disclosed that 25 countries confirmed their participation for the games where they will vie for glory in 19 sporting events.
The Local organising committee LOC also said arrangements have been made to entertain the athletes and fans, as some A-list Nigerian artistes, including Olamide, D’banj, Timi Dakolo, Ice Prince, amongst others are billed to add colour to the event.
The African Military Games has suffered several postponements over the years since its first edition in Kenya in 2002.
The African Military Games, AMGA 2024 is scheduled to hold in Abuja from 18th-30th November, 2024.
