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By Sumaila Ogbaye
The Chief of Defense Staff (CDS), Gen. Lucky Irabor, has promised to ensure the development of sports in military barracks to get more youth involved in sporting activities.
Irabor made the pledge at the conclusion of the 2022 edition of the Abuja Military Barracks Youths Sports Championship organized by Defense Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday.
The CDS was represented by Defense Headquarters Education Director, Rear Admiral Chibuike Azike,
Irabor assured the youth that conscious efforts were being made to ensure the continuous construction, renovation, reactivation and conversion of sports facilities within the barracks.
“In addition and as an encouragement, we will continue to encourage youth participation in all barracks in organized sports competitions across the country.
“I urge all youth in all barracks not to rest on their oars as they pursue their educational and athletic careers.
“The government is currently facing enough challenges at all levels while efforts are being made to halt the crisis.
“This organized championship has undoubtedly broadened the horizons of our barracks to explore the possibilities of the sport,” he said.
Irabor praised the Sports Directorate for their good work in ensuring the smooth running of the competition.
He also commended the participating youth for their excellent performance, saying the championships must have challenged their physical and mental strength.
He added that the goals to be achieved by holding the championship have been achieved.
“I therefore commend all youngsters for the efforts they have made to win trophies for their teams.
“You will all agree that every team is a winner. We can see that there are trophies in front of each team.
“In particular, I commend and congratulate the youngsters who distinguished themselves by winning individual prizes during the championship,” he added.
For his part, the Director of Education, DHQ, Rear Admiral Azike, said that the fourth edition of the military youth sports competition had started well and ended well.
Azike said the fourth edition is unique because it was held on the redesigned soccer field, adding that the soccer field is FIFA-rated.
According to him, this means that different sporting conditions exist nationally, locally and nationally and beyond.
“So I believe that in the near future we will have talent from this particular competition to represent the country and even beyond,” he said.
The Nigeria News Agency (NAN) reports that the championship will feature four sports including football, basketball, volleyball and badminton, with five teams participating.
The teams are: Team Lungi, Team Mambila, Team Mogadishu, Team NAF Base and Team Zuma in the male and female categories.
Team Mambila emerged as the overall winner with 620 points, Team Lungi was second with 480 points, while Team Mogadishu was third with 400 points.
Teams NAF Base and Zuma finished fourth and fifth with 320 points and 280 points, respectively. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)