The Nigerian Air Force on Friday encouraged youths and barrack boys to participate in sporting activities to minimise unnecessary movements in threat-prone areas.

The Air Officer Commanding (AOC), Air Training Command (ATC), AVM Ahmed Dari, gave the charge at the closing ceremony of the ‘Year 2025 NAF Base Kaduna Youths Sport Competition.’

Mr Dari said, “The sporting event aims to promote safety and security while fostering physical fitness, teamwork, and social interaction among the young people within NAF bases. As we are all aware, sporting activities are part of life’s endeavours all over the world.”

He said that NAF organised sporting competitions for the youth within NAF bases nation-wide to socialise, keep fit and to be engaged positively during vacations.

Mr Dari said, “Accordingly, today we have successfully concluded the Year 2025 Intra Command and Units’ Youths Sports Competition in Kaduna.”

He reiterated that the essence of the competition was not only to compete and determine a winner but to foster the spirit of sportsmanship.

According to him, it was also to generate interpersonal relationships and promote physical fitness within the NAF dependents and families.

He reminded the youth of the need to actively continue to participate in their chosen sporting activities to keep pace that may lead them to becoming professionals.

Mr Dari added, “I want to make it clear that, with the current security challenges in the country, there is the need for you to be fully and actively involved in one sporting activity or the other. This is with the view to eliminating unnecessary movements within the various identified threat locations and areas.”

He congratulated the team and group that topped the table during the competition and acknowledged the performances of those who participated. especially those that distinguished themselves.

He added, “In view of this, it is essential for me to remind you that many of you that were identified as potential future champions and class athletes will be invited to represent us at any forthcoming national youths sporting tournaments. Please endeavour to make a good representation whenever you are called upon. I wish to reinstate my commitment to you of providing adequate support for sporting activities in the base.’’

The AOC encouraged the barrack youths to continue to train especially in their chosen sports to remain professionally focused, socially sound and physically always fit.

Mr Dari appreciated the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, for his support to the growth and development of youth sport in the Nigerian Air Force.

He also expressed his gratitude to the commandant of NAF co-located units in Kaduna State.

He commended the chairman organising committee and his team for the successful conduct of the competition.

The week-long event featured football, basketball, volleyball, table tennis. and badminton.

The teams that participated in the events included Happier Valley Officers Quarters, Omo Quarters, GRA Quarters, Block C and D Quarters Block E and Fulani Quarters and barrack Keke Riders, all within the base.

The Block E and Fulani Quarters emerged winners while the second position went to Happier Valley and the third position was clinched by GRA Quarters.

(NAN)