The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa, OFR, has hailed the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) for its visionary efforts in promoting grassroots sports and nurturing the next generation of Nigerian athletes.
He made the remarks during his closing address as the Special Guest of Honour at the DEPOWA Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Championship held in Abuja.
Gen. Musa described the championship as “more than just a contest of youthful strength and talent,” noting that it represents a vital formative stage in the lives of young Nigerians where discipline, teamwork, and perseverance are instilled.
“Secondary school sports are the foundation upon which many great athletes have built their careers,” he said, citing global sports icons such as Kylian Mbappé and Akeem Olajuwon, who began their journeys as teenagers. “The fields, courts, and tracks of our schools are fertile grounds where the dreams of tomorrow’s champions are nurtured.”
Reflecting on his personal connection to sports, Gen. Musa revealed that his own passion for basketball was cultivated during his secondary school years. He shared how the lessons of strategy, endurance, and leadership he learned from the game became invaluable in his military career.
“Basketball became my solace during the rigorous days of training,” he said. “It taught me focus and resilience values that continue to guide me in service to our nation.”
Commending the DEPOWA President, Mrs. Oghogho Musa, and her team, the Defence Chief lauded their dedication to promoting grassroots sports and empowering young Nigerians. He described their initiative as a “clear demonstration that nation-building begins with empowering the youth to dream, strive, and achieve.”
“Every child inspired by this championship represents a potential leader, innovator, or athlete who will help shape a better and more united Nigeria,” he remarked.
Gen. Musa emphasized that sports remain one of the strongest tools for character building and mental development among young people, adding that DEPOWA’s renewed focus on school-level competitions would help restore the glory days of youth sports in Nigeria.
“By rekindling this tradition, DEPOWA has reminded us that every champion begins as a child with a dream, and every nation’s greatness lies in how it nurtures those dreams,” he said.
The event, which brought together students from various secondary schools, concluded with an atmosphere of excitement, celebration, and renewed commitment to sports development.
Gen. Musa officially declared the championship closed, offering prayers for the continued growth of Nigerian youth and the success of DEPOWA’s initiatives.
“May God bless our children, bless DEPOWA, and bless our dear country, Nigeria,” he concluded.