The Nigerian Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, has called on African countries to combine military strengths to secure a continent bedeviled by a myriad of security challenges, especially banditary and terrorism.
The Minister gave the charge at the on-going first edition of the Chief of Defence Staff Organization of Military Sports in Africa (OSMA) Sahel Countries Military Games in Abuja. He said the security challenges of African states are similar and interwoven. It therefore requires a collective approach to solve.
Dr Onu noted that real economic development can only be attained in a secured enviroment. He said Africans should work together to attain and secure lasting peace as well as safety of lives and property in the Continent.
He commended the organiser of the event, noting that the assembling of soldiers from different parts of the continent would awaken the spirit of comradeship and friendship in the Sahel region in particular and Africa in general.
The Minister said the games will also inculcate core values of integrity, excellence, and service delivery among the participating personnels.
“I thank you for the resolve to ensure that professionalism, discipline, loyalty and dedication in the performance of your duties and I salute the gallantry and bravery of officers and men in surmounting the security challenges on our continent”.
He stated that the present administration in Nigeria is working assiduously to ensure that Nigeria and Nigerians are safe, secured and live in peace.he nation, as it is determined to ensure that all Nigerians are secured, safe and live in peace.
The Nigerian Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor assured the Minister that the Nigerian military is open to all legitimate efforts meant to reduce the menace of banditary and kidnapping within and around Nigeria.
He said that the games is also meant to provide an avenue for security innovations and ideas.
