DEFENCE MINISTER RECEIVES AWARD OF AMBASSADOR OF FAIR PLEDGES CONTINUED SUPPORT FOR SPORTS

The Honourable Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd.) OFR, has assured the All Federal Capital Territory Sports Association of his continued support for sporting activities. The assurance comes following his conferment with the prestigious and globally recognized award of ‘Ambassador of Fair Play’ by the Association.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Mr Richard Pheelangwa, received the award on behalf of the Honourable Minister during the Association’s courtesy visit to the Ministry. Mr Pheelangwa, alongside some principal staff of the ministry, testified that Gen. Musa is a sports lover and a firm believer in the enormous benefits of sports to national peace and unity. He noted that the Minister enjoys and participates in various sporting activities both indoors and outdoors, including golf. “He will be glad to have the award and will always support sports activities,” Mr Pheelangwa added.

Speaking earlier, the All Federal Capital Territory Sports Association, led by its Board of Trustee Chairman and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Yakubu Dogara, stated that the purpose of the visit was to collaborate with the Ministry. The goal, he explained, is to explore ways of elevating sports, beginning with the Federal Capital Territory, to a level that will yield the desired results for the country, similar to what is seen in other developed economies. In a statement, Rt. Hon Yakubu Dogara said the Association intends to promote sports to help transform the economic independence of citizens, empower youths, and curtail restiveness. This, he added, will help reduce criminality to its barest minimum, thereby paving the way for peace in the country.

Representatives from various sports including golf, soft/baseball, gymnastics, and basketball were present at the event. They spoke on their desire to see barracks sporting facilities revived once again, noting that most talents are harnessed from the barracks, which provide an organized setting fit for talent hunts.

Also present at the event were the Permanent Secretary, Special Duties, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Maduka, and staff of the Ministry. The Director of Information and Public Relations confirmed through the Acting Director, Enderline Chukwu, that the event marks a significant step towards collaborative efforts in advancing sports development in the nation. Mr Pheelangwa reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to this cause. The event concluded with a renewed sense of purpose among the sports bodies and the Ministry, with Mr Pheelangwa emphasizing the importance of such partnerships for national development.