President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his commitment to stabilizing the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and enhancing peace across Africa.
This declaration was made during the closing ceremony of the African Military Games 2024 in Abuja, as reported by Mr. Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu emphasized his administration's resolve to combat security threats and violent crimes in Nigeria. As the current Chairman of ECOWAS, he highlighted the necessity of strengthening ties among African nations to foster camaraderie among military forces on the continent.
Tinubu stated, "As the ECOWAS Chairman, I want to emphasize my determination to stabilize the sub-region and indeed the entire African continent to ensure its prosperity."
He noted that the timing of the second edition of the Africa Military Games, held two decades after its last iteration, is crucial for rekindling "the spirit of comradeship and friendship" essential for military cooperation across Africa.
The President explained that armed forces must maintain physical fitness through sports, which is vital for their overall well-being and effectiveness in addressing complex security dynamics.
"It is common knowledge that men and women of our Armed Forces must keep fit to ensure optimal physical, mental and emotional well-being," he remarked.
In his closing address, Tinubu congratulated all participating countries for their sportsmanship and professionalism throughout the games, stating, "You gentlemen and ladies are indeed not only military personnel but also great sportsmen and women."
