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My Desire Is To Take Military Sports To Enviable Standard In Africa-Brig-Gen. Abdullahi

Published

5 years ago

September 1, 2020

…As Nigeria Govt. endorses his bid For OSMA President

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria’s Aspirant for the forthcoming election into the post of the President of Organization of Military Sports in Africa OMSA and Vice President of the International Military Sports Council, CIMS respectively, Brigadier General Maikano Abdullahi has pledged to take military sports to enviable standard in the continent and across the globe.

To this end, the federal government has endorsed the candidacy of Brig-Gen. Abdullahi for OSMA President and Vice President of CIMS.

He gave this assurance on Tuesday, in Abuja, during a press briefing when he officially declared his intention to run for the position of President and Vice President of the Associations.

The Association’s election is scheduled to take place on the 7th October 2020 via video conferencing.

Brig-Gen. Abdullahi, who has contributed immensely to the development of military sports in Africa and beyond, has, however, assured that if elected, no stone will be left unturned to promote sports and encourage good sporting the relationship among the 51 African Countries and beyond.

According to him, I humbly welcome you to the formal presentation of my humble self, Brigadier General Maikano Abdullahi as an Aspirant for the Post of President of the Organization of Military Sports in Africa (OSMA) and the Vice President of the International Military Sports Council.

“Let me use this medium to intimate you that the International Military Sports Council is also known as Consiel International Du SPORT Militarie (CISM) is a Global military sporting organization second to International Olympic Committee (IOC). CISM is concerned with organizing and coordinating Military Sports in the World.

“Nigeria has been a member of CISM which has 136 member Countries since 1972. It will interest you to note that our Country, Nigeria is also one of the strong Pillar of CISM and the Founding Father of OSMA.

“The Organization of Military Sports in Africa which was founded in 1994 by Nigerian, Major General Ishola Williams (Rtd), it became fully operational in 2008 with the Headquarters in Yaoundé Cameroun. There are 51 African Countries currently as members of OSMA; it is second to COJA in terms of Organizing of Sporting activities in Africa.

“To become a President of OSMA, a General Assembly must hold, once you emerge, President, you are automatically the CISM Vice President for Africa.

“As a Senior Officer in Defence Headquarters Abuja and Deputy Director Sports, if given the mandate, I will project the good image of Nigeria better in both CISM and OSMA, promote Military Sports in Nigeria and Africa. I will also ensure that our Continent is adequately represented in all CISM sporting events and World General Assemblies and it will also give me the opportunity to promote sports and encourage good sporting relationship among the 51 African Countries.” He pledged.

Nevertheless, having a look at Brig-Gen. Abdullahi’s background reveals a wholesome and rich antecedent that reflects that this renowned son of Africa does qualify for this post and has what it takes to effectively represent Nigeria, the African continent, and the world.

“Let me state here that my vast experience in Sports, Fitness and Training coupled with my participation in both National and International Military and Civil Sporting activities enhanced my nomination for this post.

“I am a fellow member of the National Association of Physical and Health Education Recreation Sports and Dance (NAPHER-SD). I have won several National and International Awards in Cameroun, CISM Headquarters Belgium, Burkina Faso, Niger, and the Republic of Guinea to mention but few.”

When asked if he has the backing the federal government? He replied, “I have 100% of supports from Government and the Chief of Defence Staff.”

He, however, applauded the Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin and the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, for nominating him to vie for the post of OSMA President and CISM Vice President for Africa as well as their wonderful achievements in Sports and physical training from 2015 – date.

Brigadier General Maikano Abdullahi sought the support of member countries in taking up this challenge to recreate a new image for the Military Sports and reposition its developmental influence and possibilities across the globe.

Other contestants are from Kenya, Algeria, and Guinea Conakry.

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Nigeria’s Historic Bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games: A Call for National and Global Support

Published

6 days ago

September 30, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria is poised to make history as it seeks to host the Centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030, a monumental opportunity that promises to transform the nation’s economy, infrastructure, and global standing.

More than a sporting spectacle, the Games would serve as a catalyst for development across multiple sectors, leaving behind a legacy of national pride and sustainable growth.

The benefits of hosting the Games extend far beyond the sports arena. Nigeria stands to gain both empirical and non-empirical advantages, with direct, indirect, and induced impacts that will touch every corner of society. Infrastructural development will take center stage, with new facilities such as indoor sports halls, conference centers, and improved road networks reshaping urban landscapes while strengthening the nation’s capacity to host future international events.

Economic growth is another significant dividend. Over 10,000 jobs are expected to be created, spanning construction, facility management, event planning, and tourism services.

The hospitality industry will undergo major improvements as hotels and resorts are upgraded to meet international standards, while local restaurants, lounges, and tourist attractions will see a surge in patronage from international visitors. Small and medium enterprises, particularly in the transport, finance, and food service sectors, will become some of the greatest beneficiaries, as the Games generate new demand and expand opportunities for local businesses.
The Commonwealth Games will also accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s sports industry.

Investments in training facilities, coaching, and talent development will inspire a new generation of athletes, ensuring long-term benefits that extend beyond 2030, a major focus of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
At the same time, the process of preparing for the Games will create opportunities for Nigerians to learn new crafts, acquire technical skills, and engage in global-standard event management, thereby strengthening human capacity and innovation across industries.

Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the Nigeria Sports Commission, and Hon. Bukola Olopade, the Director General, have been widely recognized for their tireless and visionary leadership in repositioning Nigeria’s sporting sector.

Their commitment to facilitating infrastructural development and strengthening grassroots sports development has laid the foundation for Nigeria’s bold bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Under their leadership, the NSC is fostering strategic partnerships and driving innovation in sports administration, they have demonstrated the nation’s readiness to stage an event of such global magnitude.

Beyond the tangible gains, the hosting of the 2030 Commonwealth Games carries profound symbolic value. It would be a moment of unity and pride, a chance for Nigeria to showcase its cultural richness, resilience, and excellence to the world.
As a centenary edition, the Games would stand as a historic milestone not just for the Commonwealth but for Nigeria itself, cementing its place on the global stage as a capable, ambitious, and forward-looking nation.

The gains from hosting the Commonwealth Games can never be undermined or overemphasized. This is Nigeria’s time to step forward and show the world our resilience, and excellence. We call on every Nigerian, across sectors and communities, to support this noble aspiration.

Nigeria’s pursuit of the 2030 Commonwealth Games is a vision for transformation, a blueprint for national development, and a legacy project that will inspire generations to come.

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