The city of Kaduna is set to host no fewer than 2000 athletes and officials for the Armed Forces Games, a trial exercise to select Nigeria’s team for the forthcoming Africa Military Games, from September 24 to 28, 2024.
The Africa Military Games are tentatively scheduled to run from November 18 through November 30, 2024, in Abuja with the theme ‘Enhancing Military Cooperation in Africa through Sports.’
The Director of Sports, Defence Headquarters, Air Vice Marshal Abidemi Marquis, made this known while addressing journalists at the Stallion Officers’ Mess, Dalet Barracks, Kaduna on Saturday.
Marquis said the games will feature 19 sporting events, including football, basketball, volleyball, and athletics.
He explained that the objectives of the games are to “enhance military professionalism through sports, promote unity and camaraderie among military personnel, and select the best athletes to represent Nigeria at the Africa Military Games.”
The event, Marquis added, is expected to boost the local economy, with over 1600 athletes, including officials from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, engaging in economic activities across the state.
He added that the 19 events will be held in five venues, including Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Murtala Square, the Nigerian Defence Academy (old and new sites), a Nigerian Air Force base, and a private ashry range.
Marquis thanked Governor Uba Sani for graciously approving the use of the Ahmadu Bello Stadium and Murtala Square, demonstrating the state’s support for the military.
He said, “Ladies and gentlemen of the press, I am pleased to announce that Kaduna has been chosen to host the Armed Forces Games, a trial exercise to select Nigeria’s team for the Africa Military Games slated for November 18-30 in Abuja.
“Kaduna was chosen for the Armed Forces Games due to its military history and strategic importance. Almost all military officers, including all of us here, have trained at the Nigerian Defence Academy and Jaji, making it a special location for us.
“The Chief of Defence Staff, being from Kaduna State, wanted to contribute to his home state’s development through hosting the Armed Forces Games.
“The games will feature 19 sporting events, including football, basketball, volleyball, and athletics, among others.”
“The objectives of the games are to enhance military professionalism through sports, promote unity and camaraderie among military personnel, and select the best athletes to represent Nigeria at the Africa Military Games.
“The games are expected to boost the local economy, with over 1600 athletes from the Army, Navy, and Air Force engaging in various economic activities during their stay in Kaduna.”
Marquis also urged residents and neighbouring states to attend and watch the athletes vie for laurels, which he said will be exciting and entertaining.
“The closing ceremony will take place on September 28, 2024, at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium,” he added.
Photo caption: AVM Abidemi Marquis and senior military officers at a press briefing for the Armed Forces Games slated for Kaduna from 24 to 28 September 2024.