President Tinubu Vows to Eradicate Insecurity, Strengthen ECOWAS Stability

President Tinubu Vows to Eradicate Insecurity and Strengthen ECOWAS Stability

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to eliminating insecurity and violent crimes in Nigeria, while also pledging to stabilise the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and foster peace across Africa.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the closing ceremony of the African Military Games 2024 in Abuja on Saturday, Tinubu emphasised the importance of camaraderie and collaboration among the African nation’s armed forces to achieve these goals.

In his remarks, Tinubu declared:

“My administration is resolute in addressing security threats and violent crimes in Nigeria. As Chairman of ECOWAS, I am also committed to stabilizing the sub-region and fostering peace across Africa to ensure prosperity.”

He added that promoting camaraderie among African troops is vital for achieving regional stability and prosperity.

Tinubu commended the timing of the games, noting their role in fostering a framework for collaborative efforts to combat insecurity.

This second edition of the Africa Military Games, held two decades after the inaugural event, was hailed as a platform to promote unity and fitness among military personnel. President Tinubu highlighted the need for armed forces to maintain optimal physical, mental, and emotional readiness, given the volatile and complex global security environment.

He praised the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and the President of the Organisation of Military Sports in Africa (OSMA), Major General Maikano Abdullahi, for their leadership in organising the event.

Declaring the games officially closed, Tinubu applauded the professionalism, sportsmanship, and camaraderie displayed by participants.

“You have shown that beyond military duties, you are also exceptional sportsmen and women. The games were conducted seamlessly, a testament to our shared African pride,” he said.

General Christopher Musa expressed pride in the unifying spirit of the event, celebrating the courage and resilience displayed by participants.

“While awards symbolize achievement, everyone who competed here is a winner. These games prove that sports can bridge boundaries and strengthen bonds across Africa,” Musa noted.

OSMA President Major General Maikano Abdullahi emphasised the games’ role in promoting unity and shared values among Africa’s armed forces.

“Athletes from various countries transcended differences to honor their nations and the ideals of African armed forces,” he said.

Team Nigeria emerged as the overall champion of the Africa Military Games 2024, amassing 114 gold medals, 65 silver, and 55 bronze, for a total of 234 medals. Algeria secured second place with 96 medals, while Kenya claimed third with 50 medals.

The event showcased the power of sports to unite military personnel and foster collaboration, highlighting President Tinubu’s vision for a more secure and cooperative Africa.