Kaduna is set to welcome over 2,000 athletes and officials for the upcoming Armed Forces Games, scheduled from September 24 to 28, 2024.
According to The PUNCH, this event serves as a selection trial for Nigeria’s team ahead of the Africa Military Games, which are provisionally slated to take place from November 6 to 15, 2024, in Abuja.
The theme for the continental games is ‘Enhancing Military Cooperation in Africa through Sports.’
The Director of Sports at the Defence Headquarters, Air Vice Marshal Abidemi Marquis, revealed this development during a press briefing held at the Stallion Officers’ Mess in Dalet Barracks, Kaduna, on Saturday.
He noted that the Armed Forces Games, themed ‘Enhancing Military Professionalism through Sports,’ will feature a diverse array of 19 sporting disciplines, including football, basketball, volleyball, and athletics.
Highlighting the objectives of the games, Marquis emphasized the importance of using sports as a medium to strengthen military professionalism, foster unity and camaraderie among service members, and identify the finest athletes to represent Nigeria at the Africa Military Games.
Marquis also pointed out the economic impact the games are expected to have on the host city, with over 1,600 athletes and officials from the Army, Navy, and Air Force participating in various activities that will contribute to the local economy.
The events will be held across five different venues in Kaduna: Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Murtala Square, both the old and new sites of the Nigerian Defence Academy, the Nigerian Air Force base, and the private Ashry range. Marquis expressed gratitude to Governor Uba Sani for granting permission to use the Ahmadu Bello Stadium and Murtala Square, a gesture that underscores the state government’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.”
He continued, “Kaduna was chosen for the Armed Forces Games due to its military history and strategic importance. Almost all military officers, including us here, have trained at the Nigerian Defence Academy and Jaji, making it a special location for us.”
Marquis also highlighted the personal connection of the Chief of Defence Staff to the city, saying, “The Chief of Defence Staff, being from Kaduna State, wanted to contribute to his home state’s development through hosting the Armed Forces Games.”
He reiterated that the games aim to elevate military professionalism through sports and provide an opportunity for military personnel to bond and showcase their athletic prowess.
“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,” Marquis explained.
He called on the residents of Kaduna and surrounding areas to come out in large numbers to support the athletes and enjoy the competitions, which promise to be thrilling and entertaining.
The games will culminate in a closing ceremony on September 28, 2024, at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium.
