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.
