By Bavoriat Clara
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has commended the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) for its unwavering commitment to promoting grassroots sports development and nurturing the talents of Nigerian youths. He made the commendation at the closing ceremony of the DEPOWA Inter-Secondary School Sports Championship 2025 held in Abuja.
General Musa, who was the Special Guest of Honour, described the championship as a vital platform for discovering, training, and inspiring future sports champions who will bring glory to Nigeria. He noted that the event went beyond a mere competition of skills, emphasizing that it served as a formative stage where discipline, teamwork, and perseverance were cultivated among young people.
The Defence Chief explained that secondary school sports play a fundamental role in shaping the careers of many global athletes. He cited international football star Kylian Mbappé and basketball legend Hakeem Olajuwon as examples of athletes who began their journey from school competitions, stressing that Nigeria must continue to encourage and support the growth of similar talents.
“This championship is not just a contest of physical strength or ability but a formative stage where discipline, resilience, and teamwork are nurtured. The fields, courts, and tracks of our secondary schools remain the fertile grounds where tomorrow’s champions are born,” he said.
Reflecting on his personal experience, General Musa revealed that his passion for sports, particularly basketball, began during his secondary school years. He said the discipline and focus he developed from participating in sports have remained invaluable throughout his military career.
“Basketball became my solace during the rigorous days of military training. The lessons I learned from sports — teamwork, endurance, and strategy — have guided me in leadership and service to our nation,” he added.
General Musa commended the President of DEPOWA, Mrs. Oghogho Gwabin Musa, and her team for their visionary leadership in promoting youth development through sports. He described their efforts as a clear demonstration of commitment to building morally upright, disciplined, and patriotic young Nigerians who will become ambassadors of the nation in the near future.
He further stated that sports remain one of the strongest tools for character building and mental development among youths, emphasizing that empowering young people through initiatives such as the DEPOWA Sports Championship contributes significantly to national unity and development.
“Building a great nation does not depend only on policy or politics. It begins with empowering our youth to dream more, strive more, and achieve more,” the CDS stated.
General Musa also took time to appreciate the spouses of military personnel for their sacrifices in maintaining family stability while their partners serve the nation. He congratulated all participants, winners, and organizers of the championship for their dedication and commitment to excellence, before officially declaring the 2025 DEPOWA Inter-Secondary School Sports Championship closed.
In her vote of thanks, the President of the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs. Oghogho Gwabin Musa, expressed heartfelt appreciation to all individuals and organizations whose efforts contributed to the success of the championship.
Mrs. Musa, in an emotional address, thanked her husband, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, whom she described as her “crown, king, and pillar of support,” for his unwavering encouragement and presence throughout the event.
“Your presence here today has dignified this occasion and inspired our students. Thank you for your tireless support, for standing by DEPOWA, and for believing in the dreams of our youths,” she said.
She extended profound appreciation to the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Founder of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her motherly inspiration, encouragement, and guidance toward DEPOWA’s youth empowerment initiatives.
Mrs. Musa also commended the school principals, coaches, games masters and mistresses, referees, and technical officials whose commitment ensured a transparent, fair, and successful sporting event.
“You have trained, mentored, and inspired these young stars, instilling in them not just the skills to compete, but also the values of discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship,” she noted.
She gave special recognition to the lead facilitator, Mr. David Polaremi of Live Free Consultancy Service, for his dedication throughout the three-week competition, and to Dr. Muhammad for handling the mental health sessions that complemented the championship’s objectives. She further appreciated the CEO of One Birth Foundation, Mr. Mazi Evi Oji, for generously providing the public address system for the entire duration of the event at no cost, describing his contribution as a great act of partnership and goodwill.
In addition, Mrs. Musa commended the DEPOWA Vice President, Dr. Bukola Olantunde, and the entire local organizing committee for their exceptional coordination and tireless efforts behind the scenes. She also appreciated the collaboration of sister associations — the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), Naval Officers’ Wives Association (NOWA), and Nigerian Air Force Officers’ Wives Association (NAFOWA) — for their continued unity and support.
“You are the engine room of this event. Your collective effort and teamwork have proven what women of vision and commitment can achieve when united for a common cause,” she stated.
The DEPOWA President concluded by encouraging the participating students to remain steadfast in their dreams, emphasizing that every great champion begins as a child with determination and vision.
“This championship has reminded us that every nation’s greatness lies in how it nurtures the dreams of its youth. These young athletes represent the bright future of our country,” she affirmed.
The 2025 DEPOWA Inter-Secondary School Sports Championship brought together students from various schools across the Federal Capital Territory and beyond, competing in different track and field events designed to promote unity, sportsmanship, and talent discovery among Nigerian youths.
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