All Set for the All Africa Games.

(From The News (Nigeria) - AAGM)

Byline: Michael Mukwuzi.

Abuja and its scenic rocks get set for the 4-18 October 2003 All Africa Games, an event that can dwarf the glamour and razzmatazz of FESTAC '77.

It's Monday in the Federal Capital Territory. The wall clock inside the reception hall of the Kebbi House headquarters of the 8th All Africa Games Organizing Committee chimes at 7.49 a.m. It is that time of the year when the foggy morning dew feels reluctant to give way to day light. For most Abuja workers, the strong North-East harmattan wind offers a veritable excuse for extra sleep and lateness to work. But for workers inside the secretariat of the Commite de'Organization Jeux Africans, popularly known as COJA, it is action time. The front wing building of Plot 70, Kur Muhammed Street, off Ahmadu Bello way, in the Central Business District of Abuja is already playing host to an increasing volume of human traffic.

A first time visitor to COJA's new office is jolted by the near military style alertness and sprightliness of workers in an environment with a predominant, sedate civil service culture with the attendant bureaucracy and red-tapism.

"Please open! the E.D is here, a uniformed commissionaire bellows as Dr. Amos Adamu, the Executive Director, makes his routine 8.00 a.m entry to the premises in commencement of the day's business.

Alone in his office, Adamu, a devout member of the Baptist faith, is engrossed in a moment of supplication to God Almighty. After saying his usual morning prayers, the conference room is the next port of call. Seated already are his seven general …