PORT HARCOURT — The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, has inaugurated a six-day Under-15 Boys Football Championship in Port Harcourt, describing it as a strategic non-kinetic initiative to reduce youth crime and strengthen civil-military relations in the Niger Delta.
The tournament, which kicked off on Monday, December 15, 2025, at Sharks Stadium in Rivers State, features young participants from across the South-South region, as well as Abia and Imo states.
Represented by Rear Admiral Gideon Kachim, General Oluyede stated that the championship is a core component of the Armed Forces’ soft approach to tackling insecurity by engaging youths through sports, discipline, and talent development.
“This championship symbolizes the spirit of teamwork, discipline, and healthy competition that defines our great nation,” the CDS said. “It provides an avenue to deter future security challenges with the cooperation of the good citizens of Nigeria through a non-kinetic approach.”
He noted that the Niger Delta faces “unique social and security challenges,” and while kinetic military operations continue, initiatives like the football competition are essential to redirecting youths away from crime and toward productive pursuits.
“By empowering this generation, we help build a safer, more stable, and more prosperous future for all,” Oluyede added.
He charged the participating youths to compete with fairness and sportsmanship, while urging coaches and officials to uphold professionalism and empathy throughout the tournament.
In his welcome address, the Director of Sports at the Defence Headquarters, Air Vice Marshal Patrick Phillips, emphasized the unifying power of sports and its role in building trust between the military and host communities.
“Undoubtedly, this championship has come at a time when good working relationships between the military and civilians are mostly required to ultimately overcome the enormity of security challenges being faced by our dear nation,” Phillips stated.
The CDS expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his support of youth empowerment and security initiatives, and thanked the Rivers State Government for co-sponsoring the event, along with partners such as Greater Heights Global Sports Development Limited.
The tournament is scheduled to run for six days, with the military hoping it will foster lasting engagement, talent discovery, and peace-building in the region.
