President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his commitment to the stability of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and to contributing to peace across the African continent.
This declaration was made during the closing ceremony of the 2024 African Military Games in Abuja, with Tinubu represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, according to a statement by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications Stanley Nkwocha.
As Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, Tinubu emphasized his determination to eliminate security threats and violent crimes within Nigeria, as well as stabilizing the broader West African region. He expressed his belief that fostering strong ties among African nations and enhancing military cooperation would be critical to achieving these goals.
Tinubu stated, “As the ECOWAS Chairman, I want to emphasize my determination to stabilize the sub-region and the entire African continent to ensure its prosperity. To accomplish this vision, I consider strengthening ties across African countries to foster a deep sense of camaraderie among our troops as a priority.”
Highlighting the significance of the 2024 African Military Games, held two decades after the last edition, Tinubu praised the event for rekindling the “spirit of comradeship and friendship” essential for enhancing military cooperation across Africa. He stressed the importance of maintaining a fit and resilient armed forces, noting that military personnel must be physically, mentally, and emotionally prepared to navigate the complexities of today’s evolving global security challenges.
Tinubu further recognized the valuable role of sports in promoting the health and well-being of the armed forces. He added, “Armed Forces constantly require fit personnel, thereby underscoring the need for military personnel to always engage in sporting activities. This will enable them to cope with the dynamics of our rapidly evolving, volatile, uncertain, and complex environment.”
In closing the games, President Tinubu congratulated all the participating delegations for their professionalism and sportsmanship, praising the smooth conduct of the events. “Given the professionalism you all displayed from the start to finish of these games, you gentlemen and ladies are indeed not only military personnel but also great sportsmen and women,” he stated.
Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen. Christopher Musa, also commended the participants, highlighting the unity and inspiration fostered by the games. “While awards and trophies represent the pinnacle of achievement, irrespective of the ranking and position, everyone is a winner,” he said.
