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| Democracy Day |
Brigadier General Aliyu Abdullahi (retd), the chairman of the event's organizing committee, informed the press in Abuja on Tuesday that the tournament will commence on June 9 and is expected to draw 240 young athletes from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and neighboring states such as Kaduna, Nasarawa, Kogi, and Niger.
To commemorate Democracy Day, the Defence Headquarters is set to host the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Basketball Championship.
Brigadier General Aliyu Abdullahi (retd), the chairman of the event's organizing committee, informed the press in Abuja on Tuesday that the tournament will commence on June 9 and is expected to draw 240 young athletes from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and neighboring states such as Kaduna, Nasarawa, Kogi, and Niger.
Abdullahi highlighted that the championship serves to enhance the Democracy Day festivities.
The event, spanning four days, will see participation from 10 teams, with a mix of six male and four female teams.
"The Chief of Defence Staff is committed to gender inclusivity, hence the inclusion of both male and female teams in the championship," he stated.
Abdullahi also mentioned that the championship represents a peaceful strategy to combat insurgency and foster peace, unity, and national cohesion, while also drawing in youthful talent and deterring criminal activity.
"The Nigerian Armed Forces, under its current leadership, is keen on promoting soft power and diplomacy via sports, which is why the CDS is backing this sporting initiative," he said.
The championship is scheduled to take place at both the Monolisa Sport Centre and the Old Parade Ground in Garki, with events running concurrently.
The opening ceremony is set to be held at the Old Parade Ground in Garki on June 9, starting at 4pm.
