THE Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to supporting initiatives that empower youths, strengthen communities and promote national development through sports.
Oluyede gave the assurance at the closing ceremony of the 2026 CDS Abuja Military Barracks Youth Sports Championship on Friday in Abuja.
Represented by the General Managing Director, Defence Holdings, Air Vice Marshal Tony Ndace, Oluyede said the championship had successfully promoted sportsmanship, discipline, excellence and leadership among young people.
He said the five-day championship brought together youths from military barracks across the Federal Capital Territory to foster friendship, unity and healthy competition.
“The key lesson our youths should take away from this championship is the spirit of sportsmanship and excellence.
“ They have competed fairly, displayed remarkable talents and shown that future leaders will emerge from among them,” he said.
Oluyede said the Armed Forces recognised sports as an important tool for youth development and national integration, particularly at a time when the country faced challenges of insecurity, youth restiveness and abuse of banned substances.
According to him, the competition showcased not only athletic ability but also discipline, resilience, respect and teamwork, values that define the Nigerian Armed Forces.
“Our youths have shown that sport is not just about winning competitions but about building character, promoting unity and preparing themselves for greater responsibilities in the future,” he said.
The CDS also commended the organisers, coaches, mentors and parents for their commitment to nurturing young talents and ensuring the success of the championship.
He added that the military would continue to collaborate with corporate organisations and other stakeholders to sustain youth-focused programmes across the country.
Oluyede said that the Ministry of Defence maintained a cordial relationship with the corporate sector, which had continued to support its youth development initiatives.
He expressed optimism that more organisations would partner with the military in future sporting events.
Also speaking, the representative of the participating athletes,Frederick Marcus, appreciated the CDS, the organising committee, coaches, military authorities and parents for making the championship a success.
Marcus said the championship had provided participants with valuable experience, discipline and opportunities to develop their talents.
He thanked the coaches, officials, mentors and supporters for their encouragement throughout the competition.
“Whether we won or lost, we all came out as champions because we have gained experience, confidence and lasting friendships,” he said.
At the end of the championship, Lungi Barracks finished as overall champions with two gold, two silver and one bronze medal, making a total of five medals.
Mogadishu Cantonment came second with two gold, one silver and one bronze medal.
NAF Valley Base finished third with one gold and one bronze medal, while Mambilla Barracks came fourth with one gold medal.
Nigerian Navy Base Barracks came fifth with one silver and two bronze medals, followed by Gen. A.O. Azazi Barracks in sixth position with one silver and one bronze medal.
NAF Bill Clinton Base finished seventh with one silver medal, while Shittu Alao Barracks ended the competition without a medal.
The News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN) reports that in the event results, NAF Valley Base won the women’s basketball title, while Lungi Barracks claimed the men’s basketball championship.
Lungi Barracks also won the women’s volleyball event, with Mogadishu Cantonment emerging champions in the men’s category.
Mogadishu Cantonment won the women’s football title, while Mambilla Barracks emerged champions in the men’s football event.
Cash prizes of ₦300,000, ₦200,000 and ₦100,000 were presented to the first, second and third-place winners respectively in each event, while trophies and plaques were also presented to outstanding teams and athletes.
NAN reports that a total of eight barracks participated in the championship: Mambilla Barracks, Mogadishu Cantonment, NAF Valley Base, Nigerian Navy Base Barracks, General A.O. Azazi Barracks, NAF Bill Clinton Base, Lungi Barracks and Shittu Alao Barracks.
NAN reports that the five-day championship organised by the Defence Headquarters, began on Aug. 3 at the Mogadishu Cantonment Sports Complex and Aguyi Ironsi Sports Complex, Abuja, ended today .(NAN)
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Tags: CDS commitment to youth development Youth Sorts Championship
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