Defence Minister General Chris Musa Honoured By All-FCT Sports Association

The All-Federal Capital Territory Sports Association (AFSA) has presented its “Ambassador of Fair Play” award to Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd.), recognising his profound dedication to sports and youth development. AFSA described these as crucial for national security and stability.

The award was presented during a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Defence in Abuja, led by the former Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the AFSA Board of Trustees, the Right Honourable Yakubu Dogara.

Mr Dogara emphasised the visit’s aim to strengthen collaboration between AFSA and the Ministry, with a view to elevating sports in the Federal Capital Territory to a world-class standard.

He highlighted how this would foster economic independence, empower young people, reduce unrest, and build lasting peace, mirroring achievements in advanced economies.

HRM Sir Eze Ifeanyi Eke, President of AFSA, personally decorated the Minister with a symbolic gold medal. He made a passionate plea for the revitalisation of barracks schools as talent incubators, noting the Nigerian Army’s historical success in producing medal-winning athletes for the nation.

Such initiatives, he stated, would unlock significant potential within Nigeria’s sports sector and contribute considerably to national development.

Mr Agbor Clinton, Director General of AFSA, outlined the association’s mission to promote fair play as a nationwide campaign for peace, unity, and economic progress.

He explained that the award honoured the Minister and the Ministry’s renowned discipline, exemplified by the Nigerian Army’s values, which align perfectly with AFSA’s vision of using sports for positive societal transformation.

A key moment of the event was the presentation of three inspirational books by Dr Jumai Ahmadu, AFSA’s Director of Female Sports Development and Chairperson of the FCT Gymnastics Association.

Dr Ahmadu asserted that these publications would offer immense benefits to athletes, coaches, administrators, and the wider sports community if widely adopted.

Mr Richard Pheelangwa, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, accepted the award on behalf of the Minister, expressing deep gratitude for the gesture. He described the award as clear recognition of General Musa’s unwavering commitment to sports development across the nation.

The Permanent Secretary reiterated the Minister’s enthusiasm for sports, including active participation in activities such as golf, and pledged ongoing support for initiatives that leverage sports to promote national cohesion, youth empowerment, and security.