The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has urged Nigerian youths to harness the power of sports as a tool for national unity, security, and economic prosperity.
He made the call at the opening ceremony of the maiden edition of the CDS Under-15 Boys Football Championship held on 15 December 2025 at the Sharks Football Club Stadium, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Speaking through the Chief of Administration, Defence Headquarters, Rear Admiral Gideon Kachim, the CDS said the championship was designed to unite communities, promote healthy competition, and develop vital life skills such as teamwork, discipline, and resilience among young people.
According to him, the tournament also seeks to strengthen civil–military relations by positively engaging youths, fostering mutual understanding, respect, and togetherness through sportsmanship. He added that encouraging interest in football as a legitimate career path would help curb youth restiveness and unwholesome behaviours, thereby contributing to improved national security.
General Oluyede explained that the six-day championship features teams from the South-South states of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, and Rivers, as well as Abia and Imo states from the South-East. He described the competition as a key non-kinetic security initiative, noting that meaningful youth engagement remains critical to discouraging social vices.
The CDS reaffirmed that the event aligns with the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s strategy to empower youths, promote discipline, and nurture sporting talents. He expressed appreciation to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his commitment to youth empowerment and national security, and commended the Rivers State Government and Greater Heights Global Sports Development Limited for supporting the championship.
Earlier, the Director of Sports, Defence Headquarters, Air Vice Marshal Babatunde Phillips, said the tournament provides a platform for young talents to showcase their skills, inspire excellence, and promote unity and brotherhood. He noted that the initiative is also aimed at addressing challenges such as insecurity and drug abuse by engaging youths positively through sports.
He further urged participating teams to embrace fair play, shun unhealthy rivalry, respect the rules of the competition, and compete with courage and integrity.
The opening match saw the Rivers Military Team defeat the Delta Military Team 2–0. The championship is expected to climax with the final match on 20 December 2025.
