By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo

The Nigerian Army has emerged as the overall champion at the Armed Forces Games which ended in Kaduna on Friday, where Nigeria’s military personnel showcased their skills and athleticism in sports.

The Nigerian Army won a total medals of 264 comprising 172 gold, 60 silvers and 32 bronze medals while the Nigerian Air Force came second with a total of 187 medals which consist 33 gold, 103 silver and 51 bronze. The Nigerian Navy came third with a total of 129 medals comprising of 18 gold, 43 silver and 68 bronze.

 Over 1,600 athletes from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, took part in the Army Games preparatory to the Africa Military Games scheduled for November, 2024 in Abuja.

Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani while

 Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Armed Forces Games held at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna on Friday,Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State who was represented by the Overseeing Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan,

praised the military’s professionalism and combat readiness.

He said his administration was committed to supporting the Nigerian Armed Forces in their quest to combat security threats in the country, and  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,” the Governor said.

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,” he said.

Governor Uba Sani admonished the military personnel to conduct themselves in line with the ethics and ethos of the military profession and ongratulated  the organizers and participants on the success of the games.

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,” he said.

General Musa commended the athletes for their dedication, determination, and sportsmanship, emphasizing 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.

He said the Armed Forces Games served as a vital preparation for Nigeria’s team ahead of the Africa Military Games, scheduled for November 2024 in Abuja, adding that the Nigerian Army’s victory was  a testament to the military’s commitment to excellence and teamwork.

 “let us carry forward the lessons learnt, the friendships forged, and the spirit of healthy competition into our daily duties,” he said.

“Ensuring that our men and women are in peak condition is not just a matter of pride, but a necessity for operational effectiveness. Your participation here reinforces the vital connection between fitness, readiness, and overall military performance,” he noted.

He added that the games showcased the athleticism and skills of Nigeria’s military personnel, promoting unity and camaraderie among the services while noting that  with the Africa Military Games on the horizon, Nigeria’s team was poised to make a strong showing.

“These Games have reminded us that we, as members of the Armed Forces, are bound by a shared commitment to excellence, resilience, and teamwork – qualities that are as vital on the battlefield as they are on the playing field.

 “Let us remain steadfast in our collective goal of defending the sovereignty and integrity of Nigeria, while upholding the values of honor, courage, and loyalty..The success of the Armed Forces Games underscores the Nigerian military’s dedication to promoting physical fitness, teamwork, and camaraderie among its personnel.”

“I must express my gratitude to the Governor of Kaduna State, His Excellency Governor Uba Sani, for the immense support received from the state during the conduct of the games. Let me also convey my deep gratitude to the organizers, sponsors, and all those who have contributed to the success of these Games,” he said.

Dignitaries at the event were, Chairman, Senate Committee on Defence, Ahmed Lawan, Emir of Zazzau, Ahmed Bamali, Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, representatives of Service Chiefs, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Defence, Chief of Defence Intelligence, Head of security agencies in Kaduna, Commandants of tria-service institutions and establishment, Principal Staff Officers in Defence Ministry defence and Service Headquarters, General officer Commanding One Div, Air Officer Commanding, Air Training Command, among others.