Assistant Commandant General (ACG) Niyi Akintelure of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has called on government at all levels to intensify investment in education, security, sports and vocational skills development as a strategy for unlocking the vast potential of Nigeria’s youth population.
Akintelure made the call while speaking at the Inter-House Sports Competition of Defenders Children’s Academy and Defenders Model College in Abeokuta, where he stressed that the nation’s greatest asset remains its young people.
According to him, a comprehensive and balanced approach to youth development is critical to Nigeria’s long-term growth and stability.
“Quality education, secure environments, sports infrastructure and practical skills programmes are not luxuries, but necessities for Nigeria’s progress,”
Akintelure said, urging policymakers to give priority attention to these sectors.
He explained that education provides young people with knowledge, critical thinking abilities and adaptability needed to navigate an increasingly complex world, while security creates the stable foundation required for innovation and economic advancement.
The ACG maintained that without a safe and enabling environment, investments in other sectors may not yield the desired outcomes.
While presenting the trophy to the winning house at the colourful event, Akintelure commended the management of Defenders Academy for its commitment to nurturing well-rounded students equipped with both academic and extracurricular competencies.
He encouraged the young athletes to harness the resilience, discipline and teamwork displayed during the competition as stepping stones toward future success.
“Victory is not just about winning, but about growing with integrity, empathy and purpose,” he said, charging students to see sports as a platform for character building rather than mere competition.
Akintelure further highlighted the strategic role of sports in fostering discipline, leadership qualities and national pride among young people.
He noted that structured sporting activities can positively channel youthful energy, reduce social vices and promote unity across diverse backgrounds.
The senior civil defence officer emphasized that investing in sports facilities and well-organised programmes would not only discover hidden talents but also contribute to national development.
The inter-house sports event featured track and field activities, novelty matches and other competitive games, with students demonstrating remarkable teamwork and sportsmanship.
Parents, teachers and invited guests applauded participants for their display of enthusiasm and competitive spirit throughout the programme.
In his remarks, the Head of Schools, Dr. Raji Akeem, commended parents for entrusting their children to the institution, describing their support as a vital investment in the future of the nation.
He stated that the performances recorded in both academic and sporting activities reflected the school management’s unwavering commitment to excellence.
Dr. Akeem urged students not to relent in their pursuit of greatness, encouraging them to continue striving until they attain heights that bring honour to God, their parents, teachers and the schools they represent.
He also reaffirmed the institution’s resolve to maintain high standards in academics, moral instruction and extracurricular engagements.
Akintelure concluded by expressing hope that the competition would ignite a broader national movement focused on empowering youth through education, security, sports and skills acquisition.
“This competition should ignite a movement — a Nigeria where our youth thrive through education, security, sports and skills, building a nation of empowered, innovative and proud citizens,” he said.
The event ended on a celebratory note, with awards presented to outstanding students and houses, reinforcing the message that holistic development remains central to shaping a brighter future for Nigeria.
