The first Chief of Defence Staff Organization of Military Sports in Africa/Sahel Countries Military Games for Peace and Solidarity ended on Saturday 16, October 2021 with each of the 10 countries that participated carting home a trophy for peace
This is just as Tanzanian marathoners won the first and second spots in the 42 kilometre race with Michael Sanga coming 1st and Ezekiel Gimba taking 2nd. Justin Folmi of Cameroon was 3rd while 2 Nigerians, Usamatu S and Dauda Solomon emerged 4th and 5th respectively.
In the female category, Sowakaye JJ from Congo Brazaville took the 1st position, Cecilia Inoga of Tanzania took the 2nd position while Jackline Sakiliu also of Tanzania took the 3rd position.
In the football competition, Chad won the gold medal, Cameroon won the silver while Nigeria won the bronze medal.
In the invitational relay competition, the Nigerian Police Relay team for me took the gold medel, Kenya relay team took silver while the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corp relay team won the bronze. Jn the female relay race, the NSCDC relay team won gold while the Police team won silver.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Minister of Science and Technology, Ogbonnaya Onu described the successful hosting and conclusion of the weeklong event bringing countries of the Sahel together as historic.
He said, “History has been made in Nigeria by our hosting of the 1st OSMA/CDS/Sahel games. This is very important to our President, Muhammadu Buhari and our nation. We will continue to develop the friendship, brotherhood and solidarity to build the Africa of our dreams.
“The problems that we face in Africa today can be attributed to the pains of nation building. All of you (participating countries) are winners. We appreciate that you want Africa to be in unity. The conflicts, crisis that we have in Africa will be a thing of the past if we continue this solidarity and our continent will live in peace and prosperity”.
In his address, the grand patron of OSMA and Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Lucky Irabor thanked God for enabling the Defence headquarters and OSMA to organize a hitch-free games.
“I am reliably informed that all participants and countries gave a good account of themselves. The objectives was not to win uto establish comradiere among the militaries of Sahel countries. So to those who did not win, I say do not despair as other opportunities will be there for you to win” Gen Irabor said.
In his vote of thanks, Secretary General of OSMA, thanked the Nigerian people and the Armed Forces of Nigeria for demonstrating active solidarity and freindship in organizing the maiden games.
He said,”The resounding success of the games shows the undisputable will of Nigeria’s President Buhari and the people of Nigeria to support OSMA.
“Thank you to all the Chief Delegates from all the countries for your ability to be present in Nigeria for these games inspite of the socio-economic challenges that is worsened by the Covid pandemic.
“We cherish the experience of tolerance, brotherhood and solidarity by sharing same food, same accommodation and interacting together”.
Highlight of the closing ceremony was the handing over of OSMA Flag for the next host nation, to the Chief Delegate of Chad Republic by the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Irabor.
