The sumptuous Mont Febe Hotel was the ideal setting which permitted the hosting of the grandiose come together of the 7th OSMA Board of Directors meeting under the supervision of the President of OSMA and Vice President of the International Military Sports Council (CISM), Nigerian born Brigadier General MAIKANO Abdullahi.
Speaking during the event, the Head of the Cameroonian delegation who doubles as the Director of Sports, Artistic and Cultural Activities of the Ministry of Defence, Colonel Aleokol Kaole Raymond warmly welcomed the over 30 military delegates from over 20 African countries and highlighted that the decisions that will sprout from this meeting will be highly welcome as it will impact the smooth evolution of the organization and military sports in Africa. He added that, military sports play a vital role in solidifying the military bond between nations at the national and international levels, it equally promotes discipline, courage, self-esteem and fair play which have a positive impact in society.
The President of OSMA on his part began his opening address by thanking the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Paul Biya for making this meeting possible. He recalled that, the board of director’s meeting falls in line with the organization’s status as it is Africa’s modest contribution in bringing peace, unity and tranquility to the continent via sports, hence its motto ‘Friendship through sports’.
Minister Joseph Beti Assomo reiterated that, President Paul Biya has once again through this meeting showcased his unwavering support and commitment to the ideals of peace, brotherhood and solidarity that military sports promote through the many sporting exchanges and meetings that take place each year.
OSMA is a continental sports organization made up of the Armed Forces of African member countries which is composed of different structural bodies that manage the organization and operation of the structure among which is, the Board of Directors, the executive political body, headed by a president who is elected by the General Assembly. It was created on March 12, 1994 in Conakry, Guinea and ratified on September 24, 1994.
In attendance to this military sports rally were the Secretary of State to the Minister of Defence in charge of the National Gendarmerie, the representative of the Minister of Sports and Physical Education, the Minister of External Relations in charge of Cooperation with the Commonwealth, the Director General for National Security, the president of the Cameroon National Olympic Committee, the Secretary General of the Ministry of Defence, Military and Civilian authorities as well as members of the Diplomatic Corps.
