The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, on Wednesday, October 9, sought support from the minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike over the forthcoming Africa Military Games.
Mr Musa while speaking during a courtesy visit to the minister said the second edition of the games would have 40 countries in participation.
Scheduled to take place in November 2024, the event would have Nigeria’s capital city as its second host since the launch of the games.
Noting that the Africa Military Games would place the nation on a positive path and boost Nigeria’s economy, Mr Musa urged the minister to support the Armed Forces in this venture.
He said, “Most people, when you travel out, the impression they give about Nigeria is that the country is very hostile; it’s a hostile environment.
“That when you come in, there are a lot of killings, but Nigeria is more secure than most of these countries.
“Here, the press enjoys so much freedom, so everything is being reported, and that is why people think that Nigeria is unsafe.
“We all know that Nigeria is safe, and Abuja is one of the safest places that anybody will ever live in, and we thank you for that sir.”
The CDS said that as the chief host, the Armed Forces would leverage the FCT minister’s influence to ensure the success of the games.
He further expressed confidence that with the support of the minister, the event would be of international standard.
In his response, Mr Wike commended the CDS for selecting Abuja to host the event.
Describing it as a welcome development, he said the games will showcase the FCT to the world.
“It will also show to the world that FCT is safe. Therefore, we have no choice but to give you all the necessary support, because it is our city that will host the event,” Mr Wike said.
The minister assigned his Chief of Staff, Director, Security Services Department and his Senior Special Assistant on Administration, to work with the CDS team to work out the needed support.
