Dare charges military agencies to join grassroots talent development efforts

Sunday Dare

• Eastern Naval Command wins 12th Nigerian Navy Games

Youth and Sports Development Minister, Sunday Dare, has urged the Nigerian Navy and other military formations to join the grassroots sports development train and help the country unearth hidden talents in their formations.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 12th Nigerian Navy Games at Navy Sports Complex Ojo, Lagos, on Tuesday, Dare said the military has played a great role in promoting sports, adding that some talents discovered in various military sporting championships had in the past won laurels for the country.

He commended the participating teams at the weeklong event for their determination and desire to display their skills in various sports while eulogising the Nigerian Navy and the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral AZ Gambo, for constructing the new Navy Sports Complex at Ojo Barracks.

He noted that the facilities in the arena have shown that the Nigerian Navy is at the forefront of sports development in the country.

“Over the years, the security agencies have produced stars for the country. Notable among them is Chioma Ajunwa, who won Nigeria’s first individual gold medal at the Olympics.

“I believe with the consistent organisation of Military Sporting events, the nation will get back to the era of churning out sports stars from the Navy and other arms of the Military Service.

“I greet the winners and losers in the events. In sports everybody is a winner,” he said.

Earlier, Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Gambo explained that the Nigeria Navy Games is organised to build more friendship among its personnel through sports, promote sports development and improve combat readiness.

Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Salihi Magashi (Rtd), at