Nigerian General, others gun for African sports top position

The Deputy Director of Sports, Defence Headquarters, Abuja, Brig. Gen. Maikano Abdullahi, has declared interest in becoming the next president of the Organisation of Military Sports in Africa.

Abdullahi is contesting against three candidates from other African countries for OSMA, which was founded in 1994 by Maj. Gen. Ishola Williams (retd.).

The body became fully operational in 2008 with its headquarters in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

Addressing journalists on his candidacy in Abuja on Tuesday, Abdullahi explained that the winner of the election, which holds October 7, would automatically emerge as the Vice President of the International Military Sports Council, a global military sports organisation.

The aspirant, who was the first Secretary General of OSMA as a Lieutenant Colonel, pledged to promote sports and encourage good sporting relationships among the 51 African member-countries of OSMA, if elected.

Abdullahi, a fellow of the National Association of Physical and Health Education Recreation Sports and Dance, noted that his vast experience in sports, fitness and training, coupled with his participation in both military and civil sporting activities, qualified him as the best candidate to lead the African sports body.

He said, “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, and 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 thanked the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Gabriel Olonisakin and the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, for nominating him to vie for the OSMA presidency and CISM vice presidency for Africa.