The Nigerian Army emerged as champion of the Nigerian Armed Forces Games, which came to a thrilling end on Friday, September 27, 2024, at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna.
The Nigerian Army won a total medal of 264, comprising 172 gold, 60 silver, and 32 bronze medals; the Nigerian Air Force came in second with a total of 187 medals of 33 gold, 103 silver, and 51 bronze; and the Nigerian Navy came in third with a total of 129 medals, comprising 18 gold, 43 silver, and 68 bronze, with Nigeria’s military personnel showcasing their skills and athleticism at the event that kicked off on September 23.
The games, themed “Enhancing Military Professionalism through Sports,” brought together over 1,600 athletes from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, preparatory to the Africa Military Games scheduled for November 2024.
Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, while speaking at the closing ceremony held at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna on Friday, praised the military’s professionalism and combat readiness.
The Governor, represented by the Overseeing Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, at the event, reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting the Nigerian Armed Forces in their quest to combat security threats in the country.
Sani also commended the Chief of Defence Staff, General CG Musa, for initiating the games, which served as a trial and selection process for Team Nigeria ahead of the Africa Military Games Abuja 2024.
“The timing of this competition is apt, given the current security challenges facing our nation. It is crucial for our military personnel to maintain physical fitness, mental alertness, and emotional stability to tackle these challenges,” he said.
He assured that the Federal Government, under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, would do everything possible to safeguard lives and property, ensuring even development across the country.
“We shall not relent in our efforts to secure a better Nigeria for our children. The clarion call is for us to intensify our fight against security threats and ensure a free, safe, and egalitarian Nigeria and African continent,” Governor Sani declared.
He urged military personnel to conduct themselves in line with the ethics and ethos of the military profession, congratulating the organisers and participants on the success of the games.
In his closing remarks, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, expressed pride and gratitude for the success of the event, highlighting the spirit of unity, discipline, and camaraderie that defines the Nigerian military.
“I stand here today feeling incredibly grateful and proud. This event has brought together the finest men and women of our armed forces, showcasing not just your physical prowess but the spirit of unity, discipline, and camaraderie that defines the Nigerian military,” Musa said.
He also commended the athletes for their dedication, determination, and sportsmanship, emphasising that these values are essential on the battlefield and the playing field.
“To our athletes, I commend you for your dedication, determination, and sportsmanship throughout the competition. You have displayed the same values that make our military strong: perseverance, discipline, and respect for one another,” he added.