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

Published

4 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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FG to Harness the Digital Economy to Empower Youth

Published

3 days ago

April 17, 2024

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Honourable Minister of State for Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande has disclosed that the Federal Government is making efforts to harness the potentials of the digital economy in empowering the youth and creating sustainable jobs.

He made this disclosure in Abuja when he received the participants of the Senior Executive Course 46, 2024 of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos, Plateau State who were on study tour to the Ministry.

Mr Olawande said over 50% of the population below the age of 30 have a significant demographic advantage in the digital age.

“Our youths are tech-savvy, innovative and eager to contribute to the country’s economic growth. However, they face numerous challenges including limited access to quality education, skills training and job opportunities.

The digital economy offers a unique opportunity for Nigeria to leapfrog traditional development challenges. With the rise of e-commerce, digital payments and remote work”. “Our youths can assess global markets, skills training and job opportunities like never before,” he added.

According to the Minister, challenges hindering the growth of the digital economy in Nigeria must be addressed.
He explained that to overcome the challenges, the Ministry has implemented initiatives such as digital skills training programs for youths, focusing on areas like software development, data analytics and digital marketing especially in the NYSC.

This, he disclosed is alongside partnering with Galaxy Back Bone to improve infrastructure, Internet connectivity and alternative electricity supply as well as funding opportunities such as grants, loans and venture capital for startups of small businesses with launching of the National Youth Investment Fund.

The Honourable Minister who hinted that the Ministry’ s goal is to create an ecosystem that supports entrepreneurship and employment opportunities for youth stated: ” We recognise that sustainable job creation is critical to Nigeria ‘s economic growth and stability”

”I urge you all to join us in this journey to harness the potential of the digital economy for youth empowerment and sustainable job creation in Nigeria.”, he added.

Mr Olawande further said that the opportunities and challenges underscore the need for a collaborative effort from all stakeholders to harness the potential of the digital economy for sustainable development.

The Minister who observed that there is a gap between the Government and the young people expressed his heartfelt desire for the Youths of the nation to feel the Government. He opined that the country has the most intelligent youths in the world.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation from NIPSS, Barrister Nima Salman Mann, mni said they are in the Ministry to research, proffer solutions, recommendations and strategies to help Government chart its course for the the year, with the theme : ‘Digital Economy, Youth Empowerment and Sustainable Job Creation in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges and Opportunities’.

.She also added that Ministry of Youth Development is very germane to this year’s theme .” We are with the Ministry of Youth to listen to what you are doing to help the youth, how you are doing it, strategic plans and way forward as well as how we can use the digital economy to chart the goal for sustainable job creation,” she concluded.

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