CDS Oluyede: Military Taps Sports as 'Non-Kinetic' Weapon to Combat Youth Restiveness, Build Safer Nation

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has issued a strong call to Nigerian youths to utilized sports as a crucial tool for building a safer and more prosperous nation, stating that positive youth engagement is key to national security. 

General Oluyede made the call at the opening ceremony of the maiden edition of the CDS Under-15 Boys Football Championship at the Sharks Football Club Stadium in Port Harcourt on December 15, 2025

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Represented by Rear Admiral Gideon Kachim, the Chief of Administration Defence Headquarters, the CDS emphasized that the football championship is much more than a sporting event, it is a strategic initiative aligning with the Armed Forces' non-kinetic approach to security.

 The ultimate goal is to deter "unwholesome behaviour and youth restiveness" by positively engaging youths and channelling their energy toward a "legitimate means of livelihood" like football.

 The tournament is designed to strengthen civil-military cooperation by fostering mutual understanding, respect, and togetherness in the spirit of sportsmanship.

 General Oluyede affirmed that the event aligns with the Armed Forces’ strategy to empower youths, promote discipline, and nurture talents, underscoring President Tinubu's commitment to youth empowerment.

The six-day championship is set to feature teams from across the South-South and parts of the South-East, highlighting its role in promoting national cohesion.

 Teams include those from Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Abia, and Imo States, alongside the Rivers Military Team.

 The championship's core aim is uniting communities, promoting healthy competition, and developing essential life skills such as teamwork and resilience among youths.

 Air Vice Marshal Babatunde Phillips, Director of Sports at Defence Headquarters, added that the tournament seeks to foster growth, inspire excellence, and instill values such as integrity, resilience, and unity to help combat challenges like insecurity and drug abuse.

The inaugural match of the tournament saw the Rivers Military Team (RMT) defeat the Delta Military Team (DMT) with a 2–0 victory. The competition will run until the final match on December 20, 2025.

The Defence Headquarters thanked the Rivers State Government and Greater Heights Global Sports Development Limited for their essential support in realizing the championship.