Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, has assured Nigerian Armed Forces of full support of the commission as the nation set to host the 2nd edition of the All-African Military Games in Abuja, from November 18, 2024 in Abuja.
He gave the assurance when the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, paid him a working visit in his office yesterday in Abuja.
During the visit, Dikko expressed appreciation to the CDS, whom he described as “an elder brother,” recalling their long-standing friendship and ties to the same alma mater in Kaduna State.
The NSC chairman highlighted the power of sports as a tool to enhance national security and unity, recalling a 2016 LMC initiative that marked the return of football to Maiduguri after years of security concerns.
“When I was chairman of the LMC, at one point, we were deliberate about taking football back to Maiduguri after years of insecurity challenges. We worked with the then Governor of Borno State, His Excellency, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, as well as the security agencies and we had league football return to Maiduguri again.”
Dikko recalled the first league game then between El Kanemi Warriors and Enyimba FC, which brought about 20,000 people into the stadium, with an additional 30,000 individuals standing outside the stadium. This single act opened up Maiduguri to its recovery path.
“We’re honoured to have you, and we will give our best to the All-African Military Games. Our expertise and technical support from relevant federations will ensure the games are a success.
We will also provide any contextual logistics you may need,” Dikko added.
“We understand sports’ power to foster national unity and economic progress,” Dikko added, noting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to sports as part of his administration’s vision to promote economic growth and grassroots development in Nigeria.
In his address, General Musa congratulated Shehu Dikko on his appointment as the NSC chairman, reiterating that the country’s sports is in good hands.
The Military Chief emphasized the strategic importance of sports for both national security and youth empowerment.
“Sports is not just about competition; it impacts national security by engaging youths, harnessing their talents, and offering paths to a better life,” General Musa said. He expressed confidence that under Dikko’s leadership, Nigerian sports would thrive and positively impact national security.
“We know the importance of sports to Nigeria and Nigerians. Growing up, a lot of us participated in different National Sports Festivals – I represented Sokoto State at the Kada 83′ and Kwara 85′ Games. We know how sports affect health and its implication on national security. It’s an avenue to tap from the talents of the Youths and empower them for greatness.”
The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Musa used the opportunity to introduce and invite the NSC chairman to contribute his expertise and experience to the 2nd edition of the All African Military Games.
“Nigeria is hosting the second edition of the All-AFrican Military Games and we want you to carry this Games as your first major project. We want to count on you, your experience, your reach and expertise that you have. We want to host a game that all Africa will be proud of. We have done our part and now we want you to bring your experience and make this edition the best ever Games.”
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