President Bola Tinubu has urged African militaries to unite in addressing insecurity and other threats to the continent’s unity and stability.
He issued this call on Wednesday while officially inaugurating the second edition of the Africa Military Games (AMGA) in Abuja, describing the event as a historic platform for fostering unity, camaraderie, and military cooperation across Africa.
The Games, themed “Enhancing Military Cooperation in Africa through Sports,” revive a tradition first initiated over two decades ago in Nairobi, Kenya.
Some military personnel attending the opening ceremony of the Africa Military Games in Abuja. X/@DefenceInfoNG
Speaking at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium during the opening ceremony, President Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, emphasised the need for collective efforts in tackling security challenges.
“Our collective safety and the well-being of our people demand that we stand together, shoulder to shoulder, as one united Africa,” Tinubu said. He underscored the significance of the Games in enhancing the continent’s collective security measures, according to a statement by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President).
“This occasion is more than a gathering of extraordinary athletes; it is a profound reminder of the cooperation that binds military institutions across our continent. Today, we reaffirm the promise of what we can achieve when we stand together—not merely as neighbours but as guardians of a continent that depends on your courage, sacrifices, and unwavering commitment,” Tinubu said.
Reflecting on the Games’ revival, Tinubu commended the Chief of Defence Staff, General C.G. Musa, and the President of the Organisation of Military Sports in Africa (OSMA), Major General M. Abdullahi, for their leadership in bringing the event back to life.
The President highlighted the role of sports in fostering physical fitness, discipline, and resilience among military personnel—qualities essential for addressing Africa’s security challenges.
“Sports not only enhance physical fitness but also instil core values such as integrity, excellence, and discipline. When our personnel are fit, they are better equipped to face the challenges of their duties with confidence and resilience,” he said.
Tinubu further stressed the importance of unity in overcoming security threats across the continent.
“The security challenges we face cannot be resolved through kinetic measures alone. We must deepen the friendships and partnerships that have long united 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 said.
In his remarks, Chief of Defence Staff General Musa noted that the Games are not just a celebration of the physical prowess of military athletes but a testament to the bond that unites Africa’s armed forces.
He encouraged the 1,625 athletes and officials participating in the Games from across Africa to embrace the spirit of sportsmanship as they compete in various events. General Musa also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to enhancing partnerships with other African militaries to safeguard territorial integrity across the region.
Major General Maikano Abdullahi, President of OSMA, praised the Games as a realisation of the founding vision of OSMA: fostering unity, friendship, and solidarity among Africa’s armed forces.
Paying tribute to the Nigerian President and OSMA’s founding fathers, Major General Abdullahi said the Games serve as a platform to showcase the rich heritage and talents of Africa’s military forces. He encouraged participants to compete fiercely yet fairly, strengthening the bonds uniting military forces across the continent.
The opening ceremony featured a callisthenics display, performances by various artists, the hoisting of OSMA and AMGA flags, an oath-taking ceremony by athletes and officials, and the ceremonial lighting of the Games torch by the Vice President.
Also in attendance were the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, represented by House Committee on Defence Chair Hon Babajimi Benson; Minister of Defence Mohammed Abubakar Badaru; Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle; Chairman of the National Sports Commission Alhaji 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; and heads of delegations from participating countries, among other senior military officers.