CDS Hails DEPOWA’s Grassroots Sports Drive, Calls It Seedbed for Future Champions
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has commended the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) for its renewed commitment to grassroots sports development, describing it as a foundation for grooming future champions and instilling core values of discipline, teamwork, and patriotism in young Nigerians.
General Musa made the remark while delivering his closing address at the grand finale of the DEPOWA Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Championship in Abuja.
The week-long event, themed “Live Free, Stay Clean,” brought together students from various secondary schools to compete in athletics, football, basketball, and other sporting activities aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles and moral values among young people.
The Defence Chief, who served as the Special Guest of Honour, described the championship as more than a contest of youthful strength but a formative stage for building character and leadership in the next generation.
“This championship goes beyond sports. It is a formative stage in the lives of our young ones, where discipline, teamwork, and perseverance are nurtured,” Gen. Musa said.
“Secondary school sports serve as the foundation upon which many great athletes have built their careers, blossoming into stars who bring glory to their nations.”
He cited global sports icons such as Kylian Mbappé and Nigeria’s own basketball legend Akeem Olajuwon, whose early careers were shaped through secondary school competitions, as examples of what structured youth sports can achieve when properly nurtured.
The CDS, who revealed his own passion for basketball began during his secondary school days, noted that sports played a major role in shaping his discipline, endurance, and leadership as a military officer.
He emphasized that sports remain one of the strongest tools for character building and nation-building, urging continued investment in youth development through physical and moral education.
“Every child inspired by this championship represents a potential leader, innovator, or athlete who will help shape a better and more united Nigeria. Building a nation does not depend on policy and politics alone, but on empowering our youth to dream, strive, and achieve,” he added.
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General Musa expressed appreciation to the DEPOWA President, Mrs. Oghogho Musa, and her team for their vision and hard work in organizing the championship. He described the initiative as a powerful contribution to national development at a time when emphasis on school sports has waned.
In her closing remarks, the DEPOWA President, Mrs. Oghogho Musa, expressed heartfelt gratitude to her husband, the Chief of Defence Staff, for his unwavering support and encouragement throughout the championship.
“My dear husband, my crown, my king, my lord — thank you for standing by us, for your constant support and love. Your presence dignified this ceremony and inspired our young athletes,” she said, drawing applause from the audience.
Mrs. Musa also extended appreciation to the principals, coaches, referees, and facilitators who contributed to the success of the event, including the Live Free Consultancy Services team, led by Mr. David, and other partners who provided technical and logistical support throughout the program.
She noted that the championship’s theme, “Live Free, Stay Clean,” was designed to promote a drug-free lifestyle among students while inspiring them to live purposeful and healthy lives.
“Whether you won a medal or not, you are all champions,” Mrs. Musa told the young athletes. “Let the lessons you’ve learned here guide you and may the message of this championship — Live Free, Stay Clean — remain in your hearts long after today.”
She also expressed appreciation to the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, for her motherly inspiration and support through the Renewed Hope Initiative, and to the Service Chiefs, Principal Staff Officers, and members of sister associations — NAOWA, NOWA, NAFOWA, and POWA — for their collaboration.
The DEPOWA President praised her Vice President, Dr. Bukola Alade, and the organizing committee for their tireless efforts in ensuring a successful event that combined sports, education, and values formation.
The ceremony ended with the presentation of trophies and medals to winning schools and athletes amid cheers from students and guests.
They reaffirmed DEPOWA’s commitment to sustaining youth-oriented programs that nurture talent, instill discipline, and build a generation capable of lifting Nigeria’s flag high on the global stage.
By PRNigeria
