The Honourable Minister of Defence, Christopher Gwabin Musa, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting sporting activities across the country, describing sports as a vital tool for national peace, unity, and youth development.
The assurance was given as the Minister was honoured with the prestigious and globally recognised “Ambassador of Fair Play” award by the All Federal Capital Territory Sports Association during a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Defence in Abuja.
According to a press statement issued by the Director of Defence Information and Public Relations, Enderline Chukwu, the Minister reiterated his passion for sports and pledged continuous support for initiatives that promote talent discovery and national cohesion.
Receiving the award on behalf of the Minister, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Richard Pheelangwa, described General Musa as a strong advocate of sports who believes in its enormous benefits to society.
He noted that the Defence Minister actively participates in both indoor and outdoor sporting activities, including golf, and consistently supports programmes that encourage physical fitness and unity.
“He is a sports lover and a firm believer in the enormous benefits of sports to national peace and unity. He will be glad to receive the award and will always support sporting activities,” Pheelangwa stated.
Earlier, the delegation from the All Federal Capital Territory Sports Association, led by its Board of Trustees Chairman and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, said the visit aimed at strengthening collaboration with the Ministry of Defence to reposition sports development, starting from the Federal Capital Territory.
Dogara explained that the Association intends to promote sports as a viable platform for youth empowerment, economic growth, and reduction of social unrest.
According to him, sports can help transform the economic independence of citizens, empower young people, and curb criminal activities, thereby fostering peace and stability across the country.
Representatives from various sporting bodies, including golf, softball/baseball, gymnastics, and basketball, also appealed for the revitalisation of sporting facilities in military barracks. They emphasised that barracks environments remain strategic centres for identifying and nurturing young talents due to their organised structure.
They urged the Ministry to support efforts aimed at rehabilitating these facilities to enhance grassroots sports development nationwide.
The event was attended by senior officials of the Ministry, including the Permanent Secretary, Special Duties, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Maduka, alongside other principal staff.
The award is expected to further strengthen collaboration between the defence sector and sporting organisations in harnessing sports as a tool for national development.
