8th OSMA General Assembly Opens in Abuja; Calls for Non-Kinetic Measures in Security Challenges
The Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar, has conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare and working conditions of the Nigerian military and security agencies.
This assurance was made on Tuesday during the opening of the 8th edition of the General Assembly of the Organisation of Military Sports in Africa (OSMA) in Abuja.
Minister Abubakar affirmed President Tinubu’s dedication to ensuring the best welfare and working conditions for armed forces personnel and security agencies, acknowledging the significant efforts and sacrifices they make to safeguard Nigeria, Africa, and the world. He urged the military to utilize both kinetic and non-kinetic methods to address the prevailing security challenges in the country.
Emphasizing the role of sports and physical fitness in armed forces, the minister encouraged security personnel to leverage sports and other non-kinetic means to enhance national security amidst multifaceted challenges. He highlighted the importance of OSMA in fostering unity among African armed forces through various sports events, emphasizing that sports can serve as a non-kinetic approach to combating security challenges while enhancing the physical and mental fitness of personnel.
Minister Abubakar stated, “Physically and mentally fit security personnel will endure tough weather, terrain, or other stressful and harsh conditions.” He underscored the potential of OSMA in uniting armed forces across African countries and promoting diplomacy through international sporting events.
Acknowledging the significance of the General Assembly, Minister Abubakar noted that it provides an opportunity for mutual interaction among personnel in a relaxed atmosphere, promoting cohesion and camaraderie among member nations.
In his remarks, Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, expressed pride in Nigeria hosting the General Assembly, portraying the country’s global respect. He highlighted the event’s role in projecting non-kinetic efforts and emphasizing the military’s commitment to a peaceful world.
The President of OSMA, Major-Gen. Abdullahi Maikano, emphasized that the assembly aims to strengthen cohesion among member nations for improved understanding and collaborative relationships. OSMA, established in 1946 after the Second World War, was created to bring soldiers together in the realm of sports rather than the battlefield.
The ongoing 8th General Assembly is attended by 37 delegations from African countries and the Headquarters of the International Military Sports Council, signifying a collective effort towards fostering camaraderie, understanding, and collaboration among armed forces in the pursuit of global peace.