The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd.), has reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to the promotion of sports as a tool for national unity and youth development, following his conferment with the prestigious ‘Ambassador of Fair Play’ award.
The honour was bestowed on the Minister by the All Federal Capital Territory Sports Association during a courtesy visit to the Ministry in Abuja.
According to a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja by the Deputy Director, Information and Public Relations at the Ministry of Defence, Enderline Chukwu, the award was received on behalf of the Minister by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Richard Pheelangwa, alongside other senior officials.
Speaking while accepting the award, the Permanent Secretary described Gen. Musa as a passionate sports enthusiast who firmly believes in the unifying power of sports and its contribution to national peace and cohesion. He noted that the Minister actively participates in various sporting activities, both indoor and outdoor, including golf.
“He will be delighted to receive the award and will continue to support sporting activities,” he said.
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 was aimed at fostering collaboration with the Ministry to reposition sports development in the Federal Capital Territory and beyond.
Dogara explained that the Association seeks to elevate sports to a level where it can deliver tangible economic benefits for citizens, similar to what is obtainable in developed economies.
He added that promoting sports would help drive economic empowerment, engage young people productively and reduce restiveness and crime, thereby contributing to lasting peace in the country.
Representatives of various sporting associations, including golf, softball/baseball, gymnastics and basketball, also appealed for the revival of sporting facilities in military barracks.
They stressed that barracks remain a fertile ground for discovering and nurturing sporting talents due to their structured environment, which is ideal for organised talent identification programmes.
Also present at the event were the Permanent Secretary, Special Duties, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Maduka, and other staff members of the Ministry.
