The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has urged Nigerian youths to embrace sports as a vital tool for discipline, unity and national development.
By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has urged Nigerian youths to embrace sports as a vital tool for discipline, unity and national development.
Musa made the call on Thursday at the closing of the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Championship in Abuja.
He said sports had remained a powerful instrument for building character, teamwork and perseverance among young people, adding that most of the world’s greatest athletes began their journey from secondary school competitions.
According to him, sports not only develop physical strength but also nurture focus, strategy and resilience — virtues that can shape future leaders.
“This championship goes beyond a contest of strength and talent; it represents a formative stage in the lives of our young ones, where discipline, teamwork and perseverance are nurtured,” he said.
The CDS cited examples of world-class athletes such as football star Kylian Mbappé and basketball legend Hakeem Olajuwon, who were discovered during their teenage years, adding that Nigeria could produce more global stars if it continued to invest in grassroots sports.
He shared his personal experience as a basketball enthusiast, he said the lessons he learned through sports had contributed immensely to his military career, especially in the areas of endurance, leadership and strategy.
Musa commended the President of DEPOWA, Mrs Oghogho Musa, and her team for their initiative in reviving secondary school sports, describing it as an important step toward nurturing young talents and promoting national unity.
“Though the results may appear modest now, these initiatives are sowing the seeds for future stars and building morally upright youths who will become worthy ambassadors of our nation,” he said.
The CDS added that nation-building did not depend solely on policy or politics but also on empowering young people to dream, strive and achieve through platforms like sports.
He congratulated all participating schools, winners and organisers, and officially declared the championship closed.
“Every champion begins as a child with a dream, and every nation’s greatness lies in how it nurtures those dreams,” Musa said.
In her remarks, President of DEPOWA, Mrs Musa, urged students to embrace healthy living, discipline and drug-free lifestyles as the path to building a stronger and more productive nation.
She said the championship was conceived to use sports as a platform to inspire and educate young Nigerians on the values of self-control, teamwork, and positive living.
She added that every participant had demonstrated the spirit of true champions.
“To the stars of this championship, our students, you have displayed exceptional talent, sportsmanship, and discipline. Whether you won a medal or not, you are all champions.
“Let the message of this championship, ‘Live Free, Stay Clean,’ remain in your hearts long after today.
“Go forth as ambassadors of a healthy, active, and drug-free life,” she urged the students.
DEPOWA President expressed gratitude to the CDS, whom she described as her “crown and king,” for his unwavering support and encouragement toward the association’s programmes.
She also appreciated school principals, coaches, referees, technical officials, and partners who contributed to the success of the four-week-long championship.
She also commended the facilitators from Live Free Consultancy Services, for mentoring the students on mental health and anti-drug education.
Mrs Musa acknowledged the support of the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, for her motherly inspiration and commitment to youth development through the Renewed Hope Initiative.
The DEPOWA Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Championship featured students from military and police schools across the Federal Capital Territory competing in track and field events, football. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)