Chief of Defence Staff committed to Empowering Youths through Sports

March 07 16:04 2020 by The Ajasa News Print This Article

By Martin Odiete, Abuja

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Abayomi Olonisakin has posited that there is no way the Nation can make any meaningful progress if the challenges facing the youths are ignored.

He stressed that it is in view of this very strong believe that motivated him into sponsoring the annual CDS Barracks Youths Championship which draws participants from all the military barracks in the federal Capital Territory.

Gen Olonisakin who was represented by Air Vice Mashal Nurudee Balogun at the closing ceremony of this year’s edition of the CDS Barrack Youths Championship held Friday at the Mogadishu barrack noted that the championship is also meant to promote mutual cooperation, brotherhood and sportsmanship amongst the youths in the barracks.

He then called on the athletes to avail themselves opportunities like the CDS barracks Youth Championships and other Championships like that to strive towards realizing their dreams of greater future, while also calling on other well meaning Nigerians to endevour to organize championships for the youths to have platforms to showcase their God given talents, stressing that the youths are indeed the future of the Nation.

The sports loving General praised the doggedness displayed by the athletes all through the 10 day championship. “As you may have witnessed, the activities of the last 10 days demanded high level of mental and physical fitness, skills, team-spirit and discipline to emerge victorious over opponents who are equally endowed, skilled and determined,”

The Chief of Defence Staff advised the youths to continue to remain fit and relevant by leveraging on the recently renovated sporting facilities in the barracks. “I must tell you that the socio-economic reality of Nigeria today requires the use of dexterity, initiative, physical and mental fitness if you are to progress as individuals. I like to salute the winners as well as the losers. In competition, it is the experience gained and the lesson learnt that are most important,”