The second African Military Games opened in Abuja Nigeria's Capital on Wednesday 20th November 2024 with a colourful ceremony that featured entertaining displays, parade, African cultural heritage displays, Ariel displays by the Nigerian Air Force jets flying in formation over the venue and parade of flags at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
The opening ceremony started with the Calisthenics displays by children from different secondary schools accross the Federal Capital Territory, military parade by the Presidential Guards Brigade, the Nigerian military band bringing musical performances alongside various cultural displays from cultural groups that gave the African Militaries and visitors a taste of Nigeria's hospitality and culture.
The Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa at the ceremony said the games Foster deeper cooperation among the African Armed forces, building stronger ties for peace in Africa.
He therefore called on the athletes to carry the spirit of sportsmanship, compete with honour, comeradarie and with fairness.
The President, organisation of Military Sports in Africa (OSMA), Major General Abdullahi Maikano emphasized that sports is a powerful tool in promoting unity, peace tolerance as it transcend borders and fosters mutual respect amongst countries in Africa.
According to him the aim of the games is unity among the armed forces and to bring peace in Africa, hence the motto in OSOMA, friendship through sports.
"Let me reiterate that sports, that we are going to watch for the next 10 days or so, is a powerful tool used in promoting unity, peace, tolerance, understanding among all categories of people in the world, in respect of culture, religion and profession, like us members of the armed forces"
"Today, in Abuja, Nigeria, marks not just the commencement of a remarkable African military sporting festival with the theme: enhancing military cooperation in Africa through sports, but also a celebration of unity, strength and the indomitable spirit of our great continent, Africa"
"These games provide us with an extraordinary platform to showcase not only the endless prowess of our military personnel, but also the bond, solidarity, understanding that unites us as natives in our African continent" stated Maikano.
The Chairman Local Organising Committee, Air Vice Marshal Abidemi Marquis said the prestigious event celebrates not only the strength, discipline and camaraderie of the continent's Armed Forces, but also the sheer spirit of unity, resilience and peace across the beloved continent.
He said the the African Military Games represents more than just a showcase of athletic prowess, but a testament to the values that bind Africans, teamwork, perseverance and the pursuit of excellence.
"Through early competition, we foster deeper understanding and solidarity among nations, reminding us that despite our diverse cultures and backgrounds, we stand together as one" he stated.
Over the next few days, athletes will compete in various sports disciplines for laurels in an atmosphere of friendship, displaying endurance and resilience that are part of the hallmark of the military tradition.
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