The Minister of Defence Mr Mohammed Badaru Abubakar said the federal government is committed to improving the welfare of soldiers and the personnel of other security agencies.
The minister said this at the opening of the 8th Edition of the General Assembly of the Organisation of Military Sports in Africa (OSMA) in Abuja.
He said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was committed to ensuring the best welfare and working condition of the personnel of the armed forces and other security agencies.”
He said the President appreciates the huge efforts and sacrifice that the security agents are making to keep the country and its people safe.
“He appreciates the huge efforts and gross sacrifice that you all are making to keep our dear country Nigeria safe, Africa and the world in general,” he said.
He said there was the need for the security agencies to deploy kinetic and non-kinetic methods to combat the current security challenges in the country.
On sports, the minister called on security agencies to explore the opportunities provided by sports and other non-kinetic means to secure the nation amidst contending security challenges.
“The importance of sports and physical fitness to armed forces in Africa cannot be over emphaisised, particularly at this time that we are contending with myriad of security challenges.
“Sports can be used as non-kinetic means for combating security challenges as well as improve the physical and mental fitness of personnel to make a difference in national and international security operations.
“Physically and mentally fit security personner wir endure tough weather, terrains or other stressful and harsh conditions.
“Sports organisation like OSMA has the capacity of uniting various armed forces of African countries by organising different sports of this nature to tackle the current security challenges confronting African countries.
“The organisation of this general assembly could not have come at a better time than now, when African military forces need close working relationship.
“More especially, in information sharing, training of personnel and to further deepen the democratic tendencies among African militaries. There are many ways for us to promote diplomacy,” he said.
He commended the efforts of the Chief of Defence Staff, the President of the Organisation of Military Sporting Africa and the local organising committee for putting i n place the continental event.
Also speaking, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Christopher Musa said hosting the General Assembly was a sign that “Nigeria is respected all over the world.”
“It shows that Nigeria is well respected in the global world, and all the plans we have as military men is to project that this is part of non-kinetic efforts we are doing, showing that all is not kinetic.
“And, showing the entire world and Africa that, we are working towards a peaceful country and continent. And, that the armed forces all over the world are working to ensure that the world is peaceful and that working to ensure that the English is all what this sport is all about,” he said.
