The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Christopher Musa, has said that sports is one of the non-kinetic initiative in tackling the multi-dimensional security threats in the country.
He said the armed forces have in the past brought athletic glory to their respective countries through their participation in international athletic events.
General Musa made the remark during the closing ceremony of the Organisation of Military Sports in Africa (OSMA) 8th General Assembly in Abuja.
According to him, it is his desire, under his watch to restore these glorious days by using the platform provided by OSMA in the Council of the International Military Support System as well as the Olympics.
The Defence Chief said that “the Commonwealth, all African games, and the Invictus games, respectively, since his assumption of office as a team of the first half of Nigeria, found sports as one of the tools for fighting insurgency in the country.”
He noted that OSMA event was aimed at fostering existing co-relationships among the various armed forces in Africa.
He commended the organisers of the event for providing a forum for collaboration and deepening their relationship among the member states.
According to him, the General Assembly came at a time when good working relationships between African countries were ultimately required to overcome the anonymity of security challenges across the continent.
“The ability and capacity of us to nurture this desired bond can never be overemphasised, and as such, our citizens will be the ultimate beneficiaries of this collaboration. In all sphares across the continent, it is common knowledge that in keeping with the elements of nurturing people, citizenship, and collaboration is my leadership concepts,’’ he said.
The President of OSMA, Major General Maikano Abdullahi, expressed his appreciation to the Chief of Defence Staff and all the delegates, participants, and security agencies that graced the occasion.
He said, “For the approval and support of OSMA to the contest as well as providing necessary incentives, motivation and requirements for his re-election as the OSMA President and by God’s grace I will be voted as the world Vice President in Tanzania.”
The Chief Delegate from Nigeria, Air Vice Marshal Abidemi Marquis and the Chairman Organizing Committee said for the OSMA President to be re-elected for another four years by the entire team of 30 delegates who attended is an indication of the confidence they have for Nigeria and he will not let them down.
He said: “re-electing OSMA President is historical in the sense that for the first time in Nigeria, you know, occupying the seat of this wonderful organisation for the first time.”
He added: “For the first time, elections were held in Nigeria unopposed because they all understood the power inherent in sports diplomacy as all witnessed that 30 nations visited Nigeria. This is very huge. This particular time they are coming to Nigeria is changing the narrative about the security in Nigeria”.