The Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar, has assured the Nigerian military and other security agencies of President Bola Tinubu’s unflinching commitment to their welfare and working conditions.

Abubakar gave the assurance on Tuesday in Abuja at the opening of the 8th edition of the General Assembly of the Organisation of Military Sports in Africa (OSMA).

He said that the President was committed to ensuring `the best welfare and working conditions of the personnel of our armed forces and other security agencies.

“He appreciates the huge efforts and gross sacrifice that you all are making to keep our dear country, Nigeria, Africa, and the world in general,” he said.

The minister urged them to deploy both kinetic and non-kinetic methods to combat the security challenges in the country.

He also called on them 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 overemphasised, particularly at this time when we are contending with a myriad of security challenges.

“Sports can be used as non-kinetic means for combating security challenges as well as improving the physical and mental fitness of personnel to make a difference in national and international security operations.

“Physically and mentally fit security personnel will endure tough weather, terrain, or other stressful and harsh conditions.

“Sports organisations like OSMA have the capacity to unite various armed forces of African countries by organising different sports of this nature to tackle the current security challenges confronting African countries,” Badaru said.

According to him, general assembly need to  continuously facilitate mutual interaction among personnel in a relaxed and very good atmosphere instead of the battle field.

“The organisation of this general assembly could not have come at a better time than now, when African military forces need close working relationships.

“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.

“However, the most common method is to host international sporting events such as the Olympics and FIFA World Cup, as well as participate in and succeed in the international sporting events hosted by other countries.”

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 together the continental event.

According to him, the event stands to foster comradeship among members of the armed forces.

He said that the general assembly was intended to forge cohesion among member nations to enhance understanding and good work relationships.

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. 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 is all what this sport is all about,” he said.

The President of OSMA, Major-Gen. Abdullahi Maikano, said the 8th General Assembly was intended to among other things, forge cohesion among member nations for enhanced understanding and good working relations.

According to him, the organisation was created in 1946, immediately after the Second World War to bring soldiers together in the field of sports rather in the battlefield.

“The objective of the general assembly is to further cement esprit-de-corps and improve the cordial relationship existing among the Armed Forces of member nations.”

According to him, it is being attended by 37 delegations from African countries and the Headquarters of the International Military Sports Council. (NAN)