By Paul Efiong, Abuja
The military representatives from 15 African countries have arrived Nigeria in preparation for the upcoming Sahel games of the Organisation of Military Sports in Africa (OSMA), to be hosted in Nigeria in October.
OSMA is a continental organisation made up of the Armed Forces of African Member Countries and it is also, African representation of the International Military Sports Council.
Brig.-Gen. Maikano Abdullahi, President of OSMA, at the investiture ceremony on Wednesday in Abuja to honour Sen. George Akume, Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs as OSMA`s grand patron, said OSMA was focused on unification of Africa.
Speaking further, Abdullahi explained that the upcoming Sahel sporting activities would place emphasis on peace and solidarity among African Militaries as well as the whole continent for the development of the continent.
He said, “The game will not be a competitive one because is a game for peace and solidarity and there will be no vanquish, no victor; it is for all of us to come for togetherness.
“The game will involve football, marathon race, gulf and others and eight countries in the Sahel region would involve in the games.”
Abdullahi applauded Akume for accepting to play major role in the games to be organised in the country.
According to him, Akume’s impression has encouraged him to extend the invitation to 15 African countries to participate in the Sahel games in Nigeria.
“Sir, these delegations are here in Nigeria to see how we can scale up OSMA activities to the next level and also to inspect the facilities for the next Sahel games in Nigeria.”
Responding, Senator Akume appreciated OSMA`s president and the executive members for including his investiture ceremony as part of their OSMA Sahel game activities.
Akume noted that their meeting would help to promote peace and unity as well as strengthening the collective efforts of the Armed Forces of the member countries to defeat common enemy, ISWAP in particular against the security of the sub-region.
