The Nigerian Navy’s Eastern Naval Command (ENC) on Tuesday emerged as overall winner of the 12th Nigerian Navy Games, which came to a close at the ultra-modern sports complex in Navy Town, Ojo Lagos.
The Command clinched the first position with 56 gold medals ahead of the Naval Headquarters – 51 gold, Central Naval Command- 47 gold, Western Naval Command- 35 gold, Naval Training Command- 24, and Logistics Command- 2 gold medals.
On some of the highlights, the Eastern Naval Command won the football match, while the 4×100 metres relay races were won by the Nigeria Customs female and male teams respectively, and the Nigeria Police team beat the Nigerian Airforce team in the “tug-of-war” sport.
In his remarks, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, expressed satisfaction that the games have further imbued confidence of readiness and togetherness among personnel of the Navy, while giving security services to the nation maritime space.
“The games have further positioned the Nigerian Navy towards ameliorating security challenges and I want to reassure Nigerians of Nigerian Navy’s resolve to ensure a safe and secure maritime environment for socio- economic activities to thrive,” the CNS said.
He commended participants at the games and particularly charged medalists to sustain their wins while those who did not win, he encouraged to brace up for future games.
His words: ” I congratulate those who participated , particularly those who won medals. It is one thing to win medals, and it is another to hold on to the medals won.
” I will therefore encourage you to hold on to these medals as well as improve on winning more medals in subsequent competitions and games.
” For those who did not win, there are always opportunities to prove yourselves . I congratulate you all.”
In a similar vein, the Minister of Defence, Maj. Gen. Bashir Magahi (Rtd.), who was the Special Guest of Honour at the event , commended the Nigerian Navy for organising the games with the aim of keeping its personnel physically fit and mentally alert.
He said: “The desire by the Nigerian Navy to commit resources toward ensuring personnel requisite standards of mental and physical wellbeing is very commendable.
“The Nigerian Navy ascribes importance to physical fitness and mental alertness, which is key considerations required by personnel of the Armed Forces to overcome challenges and increasing demands in the theatre of operations.”
He also commended the Navy for its contributions toward securing the maritime domain for the benefit of Nigerians and the economic prosperity of the nation.
He pledge continued support of the ministry of defence to the Navy as the nation prepares for the forthcoming General elections.
Speaking earlier, the Chief of Administration of the Nigerian Navy, Rear Admiral Jason Gbassa, spoke of the discovery of new talents that would be of great benefit both for the Navy and for national and International competitions.
He said: “The discovery of new and exciting talents during the games will ensure that the Nigerian Navy Games will continue to serve as a feeder tournament to the Armed Forces games as well as to Nigerian sports in general.”
Gbassa also spoke about the number of naval personnel who participated in the games and the new benchmarks established.
He said: “Specifically, a total of 1029 Nigerian Navy personnel representing six Commands of the Nigerian Navy competed gallantly in 22 events. Several records were broken and new benchmarks for sporting excellence in the Nigerian Navy were set.
“The games have pushed our personnel to the best of their abilities as sports men and women creating indelible moments that would ensure that the 12th Nigerian Navy games remain etched on our memories for a long time to come.”
In his goodwill message, the Special Guest and Minister of Youths and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare, expressed confidence that the Navy Games was a good ground for finding great sports men and women , besides its contributions to the wellness of the Naval personnel.
Present at the event were for Chiefs of Naval Staff, Royal fathers , maritime stakeholders and several sports enthusiasts.
The 12th Nigerian Navy Games held from 8th -13th September, 2022. It was the first time that the games held in navy’s purpose-built sports facility in Lagos.
