By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Armed Forces’ commitment to youth development through sports, describing it as a vital foundation for nation-building, character formation, and social cohesion. He made this declaration while officially closing the 2025 edition of the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) Inter-Secondary School Sports Championship held in Abuja.
General Musa, who served as the Special Guest of Honour, lauded DEPOWA’s visionary efforts in promoting grassroots sports and creating a platform for discovering and nurturing young talents across the country. He said the championship was more than a contest of skills, emphasizing that it served as “a formative stage where discipline and resilience are nurtured.”
“This championship is not just a contest of skills, but a formative stage where discipline and resilience are nurtured. It is the foundation for future stars who will one day bring glory to our nation,” he stated.
The Defence Chief noted that secondary school sports remain the bedrock of athletic excellence worldwide, recalling that many international icons began their careers as teenagers. He cited the examples of football star Kylian Mbappé and Nigerian-born basketball legend Hakeem Olajuwon as evidence that youth sports development remains a critical investment in the country’s future.
Drawing from his personal experience, General Musa shared that his passion for basketball was ignited during his secondary school years. He explained that the lessons he learned from sports, endurance, focus, teamwork, and discipline have remained guiding principles throughout his military journey.
“Basketball became my solace during the rigorous days of military training. The discipline and strategic thinking I gained from the sport have been invaluable in leadership and service to our nation,” he said.
The CDS commended the President of DEPOWA, Mrs. Oghogho Grace Musa, and her executive members for their unwavering dedication to youth development and unity through sports. He said their initiative aligns with national efforts to encourage education, discipline, and moral reorientation among Nigerian youths.
“Building a nation does not depend solely on policy or politics. It begins with empowering our youth to dream more, strive more, and achieve more,” the Defence Chief declared.
General Musa also appreciated the sacrifices of military spouses, noting that their resilience and support provide stability for officers serving in various operations across the country. He reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ continuous support for DEPOWA’s programs aimed at social development, education, and empowerment.
In her closing remarks, the President of DEPOWA, Mrs. Oghogho Musa, expressed heartfelt appreciation to all participants, guests, and partners who contributed to the success of the championship.
She particularly thanked her husband, General Musa, for what she described as his “unwavering encouragement, leadership, and support” to the association.
“Your presence here today has dignified this occasion and inspired our students. Thank you for always supporting us and for standing by DEPOWA in all our endeavors,” she said.
She extended special appreciation to the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Founder of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her motherly support to DEPOWA’s youth-oriented initiatives. Mrs. Musa also acknowledged the efforts of school principals, coaches, referees, and technical officials for their professionalism and mentorship, which contributed to the event’s success.
Recognizing the behind-the-scenes contributors, the DEPOWA President lauded the organizing committee led by Vice President Dr. Bukola Olantunde, facilitators such as Mr. David Polaremi of Live Free Consultancy Service, Dr. Muhammad who coordinated the mental health program, and Mr. Mazi Evi Oji of One Birth Foundation, who provided the public address system throughout the event free of charge.
She equally appreciated the collaborative support of sister associations, the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), Naval Officers’ Wives Association (NOWA), and Nigerian Air Force Officers’ Wives Association (NAFOWA), describing them as “the engine room of the championship.”
“You are the engine room of this event. Your dedication and teamwork have shown what unity among our associations can achieve,” she remarked.
Mrs. Musa encouraged the participating students to remain focused and passionate about their dreams, stressing that every great athlete and leader begins with vision, discipline, and perseverance.
“This championship has reminded us that every nation’s greatness lies in how it nurtures the dreams of its youth,” she affirmed.
The 2025 DEPOWA Inter-Secondary School Sports Championship featured multiple schools competing in track and field events, team sports, and mental health awareness programs designed to promote holistic youth development. The closing ceremony drew attendance from senior military officers, school heads, youth coaches, and members of the armed forces community, marking another milestone in DEPOWA’s continuous drive to use sports as a tool for unity, discipline, and national development.
