The Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the forthcoming Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Independence Day Basketball Championship, Brigadier General Aliyu Abdullahi (rtd), has said the main objective of the competition is to foster civil-military cooperation and inter-agency collaboration.
He said the championship to be held from October 2 to 6 at the Mo Arena in Zone 5 Abuja, aims to engage Nigerian youths positively and contribute to enhancing security through a non-kinetic approach.
Brigadier General Abdullahi noted that the Chief of Defence Staff, General C.G. Musa OFR, a passionate basketball player himself, believes that organizing such competitions can help engender the interest of Nigerian youths in the sport.
He also said the competition offers them a legitimate means of livelihood and the opportunity to showcase their talents on the international stage.
Organisers said the championship will feature 16 teams representing the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria, promising an exciting display of basketball skills and teamwork.
Brigadier General Abdullahi disclosed that the competition will not only promote sportsmanship but serve as a medium of campaign against social vices such as drug abuse, and other forms of delinquency among the youth.