CDS lauds youths’ commitment at Unity basketball tourney in Lagos

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa (OFR), has commended the competitive spirit of teams participating in the ongoing Chief of Defence Staff Unity Basketball Championship in Lagos. Speaking on Wednesday at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, the Special Guest of Honour, Major General Henry Tafida, Corps Commander, Nigerian Army […]

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa (OFR), has commended the competitive spirit of teams participating in the ongoing Chief of Defence Staff Unity Basketball Championship in Lagos.

Speaking on Wednesday at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, the Special Guest of Honour, Major General Henry Tafida, Corps Commander, Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps, praised the passion and discipline on display.

“From the games I have seen so far, I have witnessed a lot of commitment and enthusiasm among the players. To get to this level, you must have invested time, discipline, effort, and dedication. These are qualities Nigerian youths bring into any endeavour when they are determined to excel,” Tafida said.

He emphasized that Nigeria’s youth, who make up the country’s largest demographic, continue to shape the nation’s story in transformative ways. According to him, their energy and creativity have fuelled some of Nigeria’s proudest global achievements, particularly in sports.

“The CDS is a sportsman, so he understands the value of initiatives like this. The competition is already gaining traction, and I am confident that by its second edition, even youths not directly interested in basketball will begin to pay attention. In line with his vision of involving the whole of society in nation-building, this effort will provide great energy,” he added.

 

Also lending his voice, Major General Martins Obiora Enendu (rtd.), former Deputy Commandant of NAFRC, hailed the tournament as a laudable initiative that nurtures character in young people.

“This event is one of the avenues to keep our youths gainfully engaged and to instill in them virtues that will help society grow,” Enendu stated.

The championship, which features 12 teams from Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti States, alongside guest teams from Edo and Delta, continues Thursday at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

Winners of the competition will receive ₦2 million, while the first and second runners-up will take home ₦1.5 million and ₦1 million, respectively.