By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Chief of Defense Staff, CDS, General Christopher Musa, on Wednesday has disclosed that Abuja will host over 40 part countries in the Africa All Africa Military Games slated for November.
Gen. Musa disclosed this on Wednesday when he paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Barr. Nyesom Wike, in his office in Abuja.
The CDS said that the visit to the FCT Minister was to seek his support to host for the November All Africa Military Games in Abuja.
He noted that hosting the games in the nation’s capital would create an opportunity to showcase Nigeria and Abuja as one of the safest cities in the country, noting that over 40 countries in Africa have already accepted to come and participate in the games.
The CDS said, “Putting back life into FCT, within a very short period of one year because things have really turned around for good at the FCT. I want to commend you. We are not surprised because we know working is what you like doing, like construction and putting things in place.”
” So we also wish to inform you that the Armed Forces is here to support you in whatever way it can, for us to ensure that FCT continues to grow without any threat within or outside the FCT.”
“We have watched in other countries how non-state actors have tried to make the federal capital unsafe , especially if you remember recently in Mali how they were able to storm the airports in order to destroy many things.”
” But I want to assure you that we are here, we are fully with you in every aspect to support you to ensure that you succeed and we are very happy with all that you have been doing for the FCT, for the country at large”, he assured the minister.
“The most important aspect of it is the All Africa Military games that are coming up in November, 2024. This is the second edition. Nigeria is the second country that is hosting such a grand event.”
“It is to showcase Nigeria in a great light to the world, not only in Africa but to the entire world that Abuja is safe, Nigeria is safe. ”
The CDS noted that most people who travel out of the country have the false impression that Nigeria is a very hostile environment, with a lot of killings, but when you come you notice that the country is more secured than most countries.
According to him, “Here the press enjoys so much freedom so everything is being reported and that’s why people think that it is unsafe. But we all know that Nigeria is safe, Abuja is one of the safest places that anybody will ever live, he affirmed.
The CDS noted that the All African Military Games is expecting over 40 countries, who would stay for a period of one week.
So it is expedient to come because, you are the grand host, because you are the landlord, adding, “We are going to leverage on you for a very very successful and hitch free, he told the FCT Minister.
Gen. Musa also informed Wike that the military is supporting the government in projecting Nigeria to the world.
The CDS recalled the unfortunate demise of one of the athletes in Congo who recently died in a boat mishap by drowning.
The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, in his response, commended the CDS for showcasing Abuja, in Africa Military games, adding that it is a welcome development.
He said, “The economic activities, will also show that Nigeria is safe, Abuja is safe.”
” Sometimes, like you said, people have an impression from outside without even having first hand information. So I believe that when they come here, they will go back home with a different narrative.”
“On our own part, we have no choice but to give you the necessary support because it is our city that is going to host this international game. So we want to assure you we will fully participate and give you all the necessary support so that it will be a successful event. Whatever you think we can do, do not hesitate to tell us quickly, Wike assured them.
