President Bola Tinubu has called on the military across Africa to unite in addressing insecurity and other threats to the continent’s unity and stability. The Nigerian leader observed that no single nation can tackle its security challenges alone. He gave the charge on Wednesday when he officially declared open the second edition of the Africa Military Games (AMGA) in Abuja, heralding the event as a historic platform to foster unity, camaraderie, and military cooperation across the continent.
The Games with the theme, “Enhancing Military Cooperation in Africa through Sports,” mark a revival of the tradition initiated over 20 years ago in Nairobi, Kenya.
No one country can address its security issues on its own, according to President Tinubu, who was represented at the occasion by his vice, Kashim Shettima, during the opening ceremony of the games at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.
“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. Tinubu was quoted in a statement by Stanley Nkwocha, the Senior Special to the President on Media & Communications (Office of the Vice President).
He mentioned that the occasion is more than a gathering of extraordinary athletes; it was 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.”
President Tinubu reflected on the game’s legacy and praised Major General M. Abdullahi, President of the Organization of Military Sports in Africa (OSMA), and General C.G. Musa, Chief of Defence Staff, for their leadership in bringing the sport back to life.
The President underlined how sports help military personnel develop resilience, discipline, and physical fitness—qualities that are essential for tackling Africa’s many security issues.
“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.
Tinubu also underscored the broader importance of unity in tackling the continent’s security threats.
His words: “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.”
In his earlier remarks, Gen. Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, clarified that the second edition of the games is an opportunity to highlight the unity among the African armed forces as well as the physical capabilities of military athletes.
In addition to urging the 1,625 athletes and officials from Africa competing in the games to embrace the spirit of sportsmanship as they compete against one another in the various sporting activities, he said the games serve as a reminder of the strength of friendship and teamwork.
Gen. Musa promised that to strengthen the ability of nations in the region to protect their territorial integrity, the Nigerian Armed Forces will keep showcasing their collaboration with other African armed forces.
Also, President of the Organization of Military Sports in Africa (OSMA), Maj. Gen. Maikano Abdullahi, said the hosting of the second edition of the games in Nigeria is in realization 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, Maj. Gen. 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 callisthenics display, performances by different artists, hoisting of the OSMA and AMGA flags, oath-taking ceremony by the athletes and officials, as well as the symbolic lighting of the games torch by the Vice President.
Also present at the event were the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, represented by the Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Hon. Babajimi Benson; Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar Badaru; Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle; Chairman, National Sports Commission, Alh. 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.
