Dikko pledges support for All-African Military Games in Abuja as Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Musa pays working visit to NSC Chairman

Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, on Wednesday, paid a working visit to the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, in Abuja.

During the visit, Dikko expressed appreciation to the CDS, whom he described as “an elder brother,” as he recalled their long-standing friendship and ties to the same alma mater in Kaduna State.

The NSC chairman highlighted the power of sports as a tool to enhance national security and unity, recalling a 2016 LMC initiative that marked the return of football to Maiduguri after years of security concerns.

‘When I was chairman of the LMC, at one point, we were deliberate about taking football back to Maiduguri after years of insecurity challenges.

‘We worked with the then Governor of Borno State, His Excellency, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, as well as the security agencies and we had league football return to Maiduguri again.’

Dikko recalled the first league game then between El Kanemi Warriors and Enyimba FC, which brought about 20,000 people into the stadium, with an additional 30,000 individuals standing outside the stadium.

This single act opened up Maiduguri to its recovery path.

On the request of the Army Chief, Dikko stated that the NSC will give its full support to the Nigerian Armed Forces as the nation hosts the 2nd Edition of the All-African Military Games in Abuja, from November 18th – 30th in Abuja.

‘We’re honoured to have you, and we will give our best to the All-African Military Games. Our expertise and technical support from relevant federations will ensure the games are a success. We will also provide any contextual logistics you may need,’ Dikko added.

‘We understand sports’ power to foster national unity and economic progress,’ Dikko added, noting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to sports as part of his administration’s vision to promote economic growth and grassroots development in Nigeria.

In his address, General Musa congratulated Shehu Dikko on his appointment as the NSC chairman, reiterating that the country’s sports are in good hands.