The Organisation of Military Sport in Africa (OSMA) has solicited the support of the Nigerian Army for the hosting of the Sahel Solidarity Games for Peace, which comes up in October in Abuja.
OSMA President, Brig. Gen. Makaino Abdullahi, made the call when he led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, on Tuesday in Abuja.
Mariano, who is also the Vice President of, International Military Sports Council, said that 15 countries were represented on his entourage to conduct a facility tour in preparation for the game.
He added that the visit was to also seek the support of the Nigerian army to help him achieve his desire to bring militaries in Africa together through sports.
According to him, the Sahel game is designed to see how to foster togetherness among the armed forces of the region which is bedeviled by security challenges.
“Our presence today is to see the facilities available for this game in preparation for a successful hosting of the game in the country.
“We have seen the Chief of Defence Staff and we have shown our appreciation and he has pledged to give us all the needed support to host the game.
“We are here also to receive your support, cooperation, and understanding in hosting this game because we know that the bulk of the participants of the game will come from the Nigerian army,” he said.
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Responding, Yahaya, represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Maj.-Gen. Anthony Omozoje commended the OSMA president for his commitment to promoting cooperation and unity among the armed forces in Africa through sports.
He pledged to give all the necessary support to the organization and the hosting of the Sahel game in Abuja.
The Chief of Army staff also assured the delegation that the Nigerian army would prepare its athletes and other sportsmen and women to actively participate in the game.
“I want to assure you of our continuous support for you to be as to deliver on your mandate and the successful hosting of the game,” he said.
