The Minister of Defence, Dr Mohammed Bello, says the armed forces will continue to promote sports and use it to build better military-civil relationship.
Bello made the assertion on Saturday in Abuja at the flag-off of the 2012 “International Military Sports Council (CISM) Day Run.’’
He described sports as a unifying factor that could bring people together.
The minister, who was represented by Mr Linus Awute, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, said that participation in sports was also critical to the development of the physical capacity of the military personnel.?
“The armed forces of Nigeria are tasked with the responsibility of securing the nation and therefore, needs its personnel to be physically and mentally fit.
“Moreover, promoting peaceful co-existence among the armed forces and all other stakeholders in the government’s pursuit of securing lives and property is also paramount.
“The defence headquarters by this exercise has, therefore, created an avenue to foster friendship amongst us all, in line with the CISM motto “Friendship through Sports’’.
The 2012 Military Day Run, the 5th edition, witnessed the participation of other bodies like paramilitary and corporate organisations.
However, 500 athletes who participated in the event were presented with gifts and certificates.
Col. Ola Olatoye, the Executive Secretary, CISM Nigeria, said that the event was initiated by the coalition of international military to promote sports among the armed forces personnel.
He commended the participants who ran the 10km race from the Aguyi Ironsi Cantonment and back to the barracks.?