By Magnus Chukwudi,
Port Harcourt

The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminilaiye Fubara has declared that sports serve as a powerful non-kinetic tool to engage the youths positively, build character and instil values that help shape responsible and patriotic citizens.

Governor Fubara, represented at the event by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Sports, Emmanuel Ndah, made declaration at the weekend, in Port Harcourt, Rivers e during the closing ceremony of the maiden edition of Chief of Defence Staff CDS under 15 boys’ football championship.

“It is a pleasure to be here today as we close the Chief of Defence Staff Under-15 Boys Football Championship, an initiative that reflects our collective commitment to developing the next generation of disciplined, talented and focused Nigerian youths.

“Today’s event represents much more than football. It is a celebration of unity, teamwork and the potential of our young people. At a time our nation faces various social and security challenges, sports competitions like this one, teach discipline, resilience, fair play and respect, attributes that are essential for personal growth and national development.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria has long recognized the importance of physical fitness, mental alertness and emotional stability in shaping productive and responsible citizens. These qualities are equally important for young people, and I am pleased that the military continues to champion youth development through sports, mentorship and educational Initiatives. This Championship provides a platform for our young boys to
showcase their talents while learning vital life lessons that will serve them well throughout their journey

He reaffirm the commitment of the Federal Government to securing a safe, peaceful and prosperous nation for the children, they remain resolute in tackling insecurity and promoting an environment where young Nigerians can grow, learn, and achieve their dreams.

“Your future is important to us, and we will continue to support programmes that keep you engaged, focused and inspired to become great leaders of tomorrow. I wish to sincerely appreciate the Chief of Defence Staff, General 0.0. Oluyede, Armed Forces Medal for this initiative and unwavering support and commitment to youth development and grassroots sports. His vision continues to open doors of opportunity for young people to grow, leam, and excel.

“As we draw this championship to a close today, let us strive to reflect the values of equily, unity, and excellence in our daily actions. It is essential that we continue to support our youth, as they form the bedrock of our current society and the leaders of tomorrow.

The Chief host the Chief of Defence Staff CDS, in his remark observed that the landmark event had brought together participants from South-South zone States as well as Abia and Imo States, to promote mutual cooperation and brotherhood.

Represented by Rear Admiral Gedeon Kachi, he noted, some of the challenges facing the nation today include insecurity and increased use of banned substances that affect the youths, which must not be ignored.

“It is in the light of this, that I have committed myself to empowering the youths to meaningfully contribute to the development of our dear country Nigeria in line with my Military Strategic Philosophy for the Armed Forces of Nigeria which is, “To consolidate the capabilities of the Armed Forces of Nigeria through enhanced jointness for a reinforced operational posture, supported improved welfare efforts and sound administration aimed at ensuring the Armed Forces maintain its core military fundamentals of guaranteeing Nigeria’s sovereignty and prosperity under a whole of government approach”.

Over the last seven days, we have witnessed not only the triumphs of skill, strength and stamina, but the display of discipline, respect, resilience and unity which are the same values that define us as soldiers, as Nigerians and as one community. Our youths have shown us that sports are not just about competition, but about character. Every jump, every pass, every cheer from the crowd reminds us that the spirit of teamwork and camaraderie runs deep within our States, in that spirit lies the strength of our Armed Forces and our nation,” he stated.

The top millitary brass urged the youths, to carry forward the lessons of the Championship, that unity is strength, discipline is the foundation of excellence, and that with determination, there is no limit to what youths can achieve.

Earlier, in his speech, the
General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Emekah had berated team Cross River state for fielding an overaged players in tournament.

“I was happy when I heard that you were disqualified for fielding a wrong player, this is a military event and you must show the highest level of discipline, I didn’t want to mention it here, but since you have brought it out, let me comment on it.

“It is not the fault of the players, the fault is that of the team officials that brought you to do that nonsense. We should not take that as a nation and we will not take it in the military.

“If it is under 10, play under 10, sports is not a do or die affair, the idea of this game is for us to come together to exchange ideas, to enjoy the game, there is no winner, no vanquished.

“Officials of Cross River state would take full responsibility for this nonsense that has been done, I am going to call the commissioner of sports in Cross River state immediately after this and I’m going to talk to him, the officials of that team have to be penalized.

Thanking the CDS for available 6 Division the opportunity to host the tournament, Emekah urged the participants to shun all social vices common to youths of their age.

“Let me start by thanking the Chief of Defence Staff, for giving 6 Division the opportunity to host this tournament. I thank the Director of Sports that has been here all through, would have been here from beginning, but unfortunately I was away to Lagos for an assignment, I returned last night and I’m grateful to be here to see all you participants.

Highlights of the event were the football game. The Imo state millitary football team, Edo and Coss River states won the 1st, 2nd and 3rd positions, respectively, and received cash award of #5.0m, #3.m and #2.m , accordingly. ###.

By David Owei,Bayelsa

‎Bayelsa State’s weekly Prosperity Walk, on Thursday morning, recorded an unprecedented turnout in honour of the departed deputy governor of the state, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.

Governor Douye Diri on Wednesday during the 177th state executive council urged people of the state to be part of the five-kilometre walk as a way of honouring his late deputy, who participated in the programme from the onset.

‎Government functionaries, including the Controller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, who was a special guest, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, and other state legislators, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, the Head of Service, Dr. Ebiye Sawyer, commissioners, other appointees as well as civil servants joined the governor in the exercise, which was rounded off at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex in Yenagoa.
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‎Addressing the crowd, who were mostly dressed in a customised black T-shirt with Ewhrudjakpo’s picture in front and Lawrence @ 60 at the back, Governor Diri said his deputy’s passing remained painful and difficult to accept.
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‎While appreciating the large number of Bayelsans for honouring him, the governor noted that it was not how long but how well one lived and your impact on the society.
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‎His words: “Ewhrudjakpo’s sudden departure is very painful and very difficult for all of us. When I came up with this weekly walkout policy, I had the support of my deputy. Those who started with us, you can recall that he was part of us.
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‎”In all of our policies that I initiated, my deputy never said no. Instead, he ran with them. So, today, I am very happy that we came out in our numbers to honour him.

“You will all agree that the deputy governor impacted Bayelsa State. He served and he is gone.
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‎”I just want to appreciate everyone. I have never seen this large number since we started. Please do not do it for only today. Continue with it even in this yuletide season at home and your health will be better for it.”
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‎Also at the special walk were the Leader of the House of Assembly, Monday Obolo-Bubou, the Chief of Staff, Government House, Dr. Peter Akpe, his deputy, Irorodamie Komonibo, among others.

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By David Owei,Bayelsa

Chairman of the Cross River State Sports Commission,
Mr. Lawrence Itanya has commended the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for supporting young sports men and women in the region through the Niger Delta Games.

Itanya applauded the initiative while receiving the representative of Dunamis Icon Limited, the Project Consultants, and expressed the state’s readiness to take advantage of the games to identify and groom young athletes.

“On behalf of His Excellency, Apostle Prince Bassey Edet Otu, and the good people of Cross River State, I welcome you to the carnival city of Calabar. We deeply appreciate the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and Dunamis Icon for initiating an innovative platform designed to discover, nurture, and project young sporting talents from the Niger Delta region to the global stage”, Itanya said while receiving Fred Edoreh, the Project Director who represented the Chairman of Dunamis Icon, Sir Itiako Ikpokpo KSM, at the inauguration of the State Liaison Committee on Monday.

Preparations for the games has evidently heightened as sporting facilities, including the Olympic-standard swimming pool has been renovated.

The Cross River State Liaison Committee will be led by Mr. Itanya, who will oversee the coordination of the state’s preparations and participation ahead of the Edo 2026 Games.

Members of the committee include Hon. Queen Gladys Igut (Commissioner I), Mrs. Rosemary Usang (Director, Sports Commission), Mr. Ettah Emmanuel O. (Media Coordinator, and Mr. David Enwa (Assistant Stadium Manager).

Speaking during the ceremony, Edoreh thanked the Government of Cross River State for the warm reception and support. He formally inducted members of the liaison committee and outlined their responsibilities, noting that the committee is to work closely with the Cross River State Sports Commission to coordinate pre-games activities, including grassroots talent discovery, athlete screening, and logistical planning ahead of the Games proper.

The ancient city of Calabar, widely celebrated as the birthplace of football and several other sports in Nigeria, has once again assumed a prominent position in national sports development as preparations gather momentum for the 2nd edition of the Niger Delta Games, Edo 2026.

The inauguration represents a significant milestone in the build-up to what is projected to be one of Nigeria’s biggest and most exciting sporting events.

The official inauguration at the Olympic-standard swimming pool underscores Cross River State’s commitment to sports excellence and grassroots development, while reaffirming the collective resolve of all stakeholders to ensure a successful outing at the 2nd Niger Delta Games.