By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
Fourteen countries are billed to participate in the maiden Organisation of Military Sports in Africa (OSMA) Sahel Countries Military Games.
OSMA President, Brigadier General Abdullahi Maikano disclosed this at a Press Conference at the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Wednesday.
He said the week-long Games will hold from 11th – 17th October 2021 in Abuja.
He said that 327 delegates, comprising of sportsmen and women from Nigeria, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Chad, Libya, Benin Republic, Cameroun, Tanzania, Kenya, Congo Brazzaville, Congo Kinshasa and Morocco would compete for medals in marathon race, football and golf, while trophies will be presented to the participating countries
Gen. Maikano appealed to the media to give adequate coverage to the games which is dubbed “Sporting for Peace and Solidarity”.
Brig Gen Maikano said it is the responsibility of the media to ensure that the Sahel games is provided with an adequate coverage and wider publicity to galvanize public support and goodwill.
Brig Gen Maikano described the games as a platform for promoting unity, cooperation and understanding among the Sahel nations.
He said OSMA is using sports as a non-kinetic means of solving conflict and maintaining peace and solidarity in the Sahel Region.
He further disclosed that adequate logistics and modalities have been put in place for a successful tournament. He commended the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen Lucky Irabor, as well as other stakeholders and sponsors for their encouragement and support.
