The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has given a strong assurance to all Nigerians that the country’s enemies will soon be defeated and that peace, security, and stability will be fully restored across the nation. His statement comes at a time when efforts to combat insecurity are at the forefront of national discourse, and it highlights the Nigerian Army’s ongoing commitment to protecting the country and its citizens.
Oluyede made these remarks during the closing ceremony of the highly anticipated Nigerian Army Inter-Formation Ball Games 2025, which was held at the historic old site of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) located within Ribadu Cantonment in Kaduna. This event, which brings together army personnel from various formations, serves as both a competition and a platform to foster unity and physical fitness among soldiers.
Speaking through the NDA Commandant, Major General Abdul Ibrahim, who represented him at the event, the Army Chief reiterated the Nigerian Army’s unwavering dedication to its constitutional responsibilities. He emphasized that the Army remains steadfast in its mission to safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity and to ensure the safety and security of its people.
“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,” Lt.-Gen. Oluyede declared, highlighting the confidence and determination within the military ranks to overcome all challenges.
The week-long sporting event attracted a total of 250 athletes who showcased their skills and competitiveness in several sports disciplines, including handball, basketball, football, and volleyball. These games not only tested physical endurance but also strengthened camaraderie among the participants.
Participants came from a diverse range of army formations, including 1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 81, and 82 Divisions, along with representatives from the Army Headquarters Garrison and the elite Special Forces Command. This wide representation underscored the inclusivity and significance of the tournament in promoting unity within the Nigerian Army.
Oluyede took time to commend all the athletes for their display of discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship throughout the competition. He noted that the event had successfully achieved its objectives of enhancing physical fitness, fostering team spirit, and boosting morale among the soldiers.
Furthermore, the COAS encouraged the athletes to carry the core values of respect, courage, discipline, and esprit de corps back to their various units. He stressed that these values are essential for maintaining the high standards expected of members of the Nigerian Army.
In recognizing outstanding performances, the Chief of Army Staff congratulated the 1 Division for emerging as the overall winners of the tournament. He also urged the other competing teams to continue training rigorously and to prepare themselves for even more challenging contests in future editions of the games.
“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,” Lt.-Gen. Oluyede stated, showing optimism about the future of Nigerian Army sports and its potential to contribute to national pride.
Additionally, Oluyede expressed his sincere appreciation to the Kaduna State government, the NDA commandant, and other officials whose support was instrumental in the successful organization of the event. Their collaboration and assistance played a key role in ensuring that the games ran smoothly and achieved their intended goals.
He also commended President Bola Tinubu for his continuous and unwavering support of the Nigerian Army, recognizing the importance of strong leadership and backing from the highest levels of government in enhancing the effectiveness of the military.
The final medal tally reflected the intense competition among the formations, with 1 Division securing first place by winning five gold medals. The Army Headquarters Garrison came in second with two gold medals, while 6 Division earned third place with one gold medal. These results celebrate the hard work and dedication of the soldiers who participated and highlighted the competitive spirit that the tour
nament sought to promote.<