The Nigerian Navy Ship DELTA on Tuesday organised an inter-agency football and volleyball fiesta as part of activities marking the 70th anniversary of the Nigerian Navy.
The sporting event, held at the NNS DELTA Football Field in Warri, Delta State, featured a mixed volleyball match involving personnel from NNS DELTA as well as those of the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Police Force, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other sister security agencies.
The celebration also featured a novelty football match involving male and female children from host communities.
All participants at the event were presented with sports kits, plaques and other awards.
Speaking during the event, the Commander of NNS DELTA, Commodore Shehu M. Tasiu, said the sports fiesta was designed not only to celebrate the Navy’s 70 years of service but also to promote healthy living, teamwork and unity among security agencies and members of the community.
According to him, sports remain an important tool for physical fitness, mental well-being and character development, particularly among children.
“Sport is more than competition. It is medicine for the body and strength for the mind. Regular exercise builds healthy hearts, sharp minds and disciplined habits. For our children, sport teaches coordination, resilience and confidence,” he said.
The Commander NNS DELTA further stressed that the values of teamwork, cooperation, communication and trust learned through sports mirror the principles that guide the Nigerian Navy in the discharge of its duties.
He explained that involving children in the anniversary celebration was a deliberate effort to inspire the next generation and strengthen ties between the Navy and host communities.
“The Navy of tomorrow will be built by the children of today. When they run on this field with our officers and ratings, they see us not just as uniformed personnel, but as mentors, neighbours and friends,” Tasiu stated.
He also encouraged Nigerians to embrace regular exercise as part of their daily routine, noting that physical activity helps prevent illnesses, reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
Also speaking, the Special Guest of Honour and representative of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Engr. Ezekiel Atoke, commended the Nigerian Navy for promoting unity and healthy living through sports.
He described the initiative as a commendable way of celebrating the Navy’s 70 years of service to the nation, noting that sports remain one of the most effective platforms for fostering social cohesion and youth development.
“The Nigerian Navy deserves commendation for bringing together children, community members and personnel of various security agencies through sports. This event promotes unity, friendship and healthy living, which are essential for nation-building.
“Beyond the competition, it sends a strong message about the importance of teamwork, discipline and peaceful coexistence. The NDDC will continue to support initiatives that positively engage young people and strengthen community relations,” Atoke said.
Other participants from various agencies and football clubs equally praised the initiative, describing it as a platform for strengthening inter-agency collaboration and fostering cordial relationships among security personnel.
Speaking with journalists, Coach of Living Boot FC, Stanley Bobby, said the event provided a unique opportunity to celebrate the Nigerian Navy’s milestone while encouraging healthy competition among participants.
“This event is commendable because it brings together security agencies and the community through sports. Beyond competition, it promotes friendship, discipline and healthy living. The children have also gained valuable experience by participating in the anniversary celebration,” he said.
Also speaking, Coach Frank Okoro of Red Ichofe Warriors FC described sports as a vital tool for youth development and social integration.
“I am impressed by the level of organisation and the opportunity given to children to interact with security personnel in a friendly environment. Programmes like this help to build confidence and unity among young people,” he stated.
An officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), ASP Cyril Ibeah, who participated in the volleyball event, noted that the competition further strengthened collaboration among sister security agencies.
According to him, “Activities like this improve teamwork and mutual understanding, which are important in our collective efforts to serve the nation.”
Similarly, ACM Effiong Joseph of the Nigerian Air Force said the event provided an avenue for recreation, physical fitness and inter-agency bonding.
“It was exciting to celebrate the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary in such a unique and engaging way. The competition showcased the spirit of unity that exists among the various security agencies,” he said.
Lance Corporal Mercy Elawure, who also participated in the volleyball match, described the event as rewarding and enjoyable.
“It was wonderful to see personnel from different agencies competing together while promoting friendship and cooperation,” she said.
Some of the children who took part in the novelty football match also expressed excitement over the opportunity to participate in the anniversary activities.
One of the participants, who gave his name as Efe, said, “I am happy to play football with my friends today. I scored a goal and received a sports kit. This is one of the best days I have had, and I thank the Nigerian Navy for inviting us.”
Another participant, Festus, said the event had inspired her to take sports more seriously.
“I enjoyed the match and meeting officers from the Navy and other security agencies. It has encouraged me to stay active and participate more in sports,” she said at the end of the 1st day of the 2-day event.
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