By Eunice Orike
Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has disclosed that the All Africa Military Games would boost economic activities in Abuja and Nigeria at large.
The Minister said this on Tuesday in his office when the Chief of Defence Staff paid him a courtesy visit.
Wike commended the Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, for showcasing Abuja in Africa Military games, adding that it is a welcome development.
“One it will boost the economic activities, two, it will also show that Nigeria is safe, Abuja is safe,
Sometimes, like you said, people have an impression from outside without even having first hand information. So I believe that when they come here, they will go back home with a different narrative.
“On our own part, we have no choice but to give you the necessary support because it is our city that is going to host this international games. So we want to assure you we will fully participate and give you all the necessary support so that it will be a successful event. Whatever you think we can do, do not hesitate to tell us quickly”, he said.
The FCT Minister also assured the Chief of Staff that adequate security would be expedited so as to avoid any threat and hitches.
Speaking, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, said that the November All Africa Military Games is expecting over 40 countries and still counting.
The CDS who visited the FCT Minister in order to seek his support as the host for the November All Africa Military Games, said hosting the Games in Abuja would be an opportunity to showcase to the world that Nigeria is safe and that Abuja is one of the safest cities in the country.
He added that over 40 countries in Africa have already accepted to come and participate in the games.
According to the Chief of Staff, “Putting back life into FCT, within a very short period of one year because things have really turned around for good at the FCT. I want to commend you. We are not surprised because we know working is what you like doing, constructions and putting things in place. So we just want to also inform you that the Armed Forces is here to support you in whatever way it can, for us to ensure that FCT continues to grow without any threat within or outside of the FCT.
“The most important aspect of it is the All Africa Military Games coming up in November, 2024. This is the second edition. Nigeria is the second country that is hosting such a grand event.
“It is to showcase Nigeria in great light to the world, not only in Africa but to the entire world that Abuja is safe, Nigeria is safe. Most people when you travel out, the impression they give of Nigeria is that Nigeria is very hostile. It’s a hostile environment. Now when you come in there’s a lot of killings and all this, but you notice that Nigeria is more secure than most of these countries that also talk.
“We are expecting over 40 countries so far that are coming with their own forces to come here for a period of one week. “So in line with that we intend to have a press conference, a world press conference to announce the commencement of the preparation”, he said.