The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has assured Nigerians that the country’s enemies will soon be defeated, promising that peace and stability will be restored across the country.
Oluyede made the statement during the closing ceremony of the Nigerian Army Inter-Formation Ball Games 2025, held at the old site of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Ribadu Cantonment, Kaduna.
Represented by the NDA Commandant, Major General Abdul Ibrahim, the Army Chief reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to its constitutional duties, vowing to continue working hard toward ensuring national security.
“As an Army, we shall continue to discharge our constitutional responsibilities to the best of our ability, and with bright prospects that the enemies of our country will soon be brought to their knees,” he said.
The week-long sporting event featured 250 athletes who competed in handball, basketball, football, and volleyball.
Participants were drawn from various army formations, including 1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 81, and 82 Divisions, as well as the Army Headquarters Garrison and the Special Forces Command.
Oluyede commended the participants for displaying discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship throughout the tournament.
He noted that the competition had successfully achieved its goal of enhancing physical fitness and camaraderie among soldiers.
He urged the athletes to take the values of respect, courage, discipline, and esprit de corps back to their respective units.
The COAS congratulated 1 Division for emerging overall winners and encouraged other teams to prepare for tougher contests in the future.
“I am confident that the Directorate of Army Physical Training has identified talented athletes who can represent the Nigerian Army and the nation in ball games at higher levels,” Oluyede said.
He also expressed gratitude to the Kaduna State government, the NDA commandant, and other officials for their support in making the event a success.
Additionally, he commended President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering support of the Nigerian Army.
The final medal tally saw 1 Division take first place with five gold medals, followed by the Army Headquarters Garrison with two golds, and 6 Division securing third place with one gold medal.
