Navy @70: NNS Delta Promotes Fitness, Inter-Agency Cooperation

Rita Enemuru, Reporting

THE Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta has highlighted the importance of physical fitness, teamwork and collaboration among security agencies through a two-day sports fiesta organised to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Nigerian Navy.

The event, held in Warri, brought together personnel of the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Customs Service and other security and paramilitary agencies, alongside members of host communities and children.

Participants competed in a variety of sporting activities, including volleyball, football and tug-of-war contests, aimed at strengthening professional relationships, encouraging healthy living and fostering unity among stakeholders.

The sporting competitions were organised along Blue and Green teams, with each side comprising participants drawn from different security organisations.

The arrangement, organisers said, reflected the collaborative nature of modern security operations and was designed to reinforce the spirit of cooperation among agencies tasked with safeguarding the nation.

Children also participated in novelty football matches as part of efforts to encourage youth development and promote interaction between the military and local communities.

Speaking during the event, the Commander of NNS Delta, Commodore Shehu Mohammed Tasiu, said the anniversary sports activities were intentionally structured to enhance operational synergy among security agencies while improving the physical and mental wellbeing of participants.

According to him, security agencies frequently work together in joint operations and must therefore build strong professional relationships through regular interaction and training.

He noted that the composition of the teams mirrored the realities of operational engagements where personnel from different agencies combine efforts to tackle common security challenges.

Commodore Tasiu said: “Sports is meant to develop the physical wellbeing of personnel and also sharpen their mental alertness. Apart from the physical wellbeing of the personnel, this event comprises components from all the agencies and services. When we go out there, we don’t operate navy against the army or NSCDs. Whenever we are doing an integrated operation, elements of all the services come together to fight a common crime.

“What you see in the volleyball match there are two teams – Blue and Green. Each team has elements from all the service agencies and the paramilitary agencies because this is the way we operate when we meet outside.

“This is to show you the importance of training. Those that train together, play better. This event is to remind them that as armed forces and security agencies, we must train, rehearse and do everything together so that the result will be very effective.”

The naval commander further described sport as an important tool for building healthy and productive citizens, stressing that children must be encouraged to participate in physical activities from an early age.

He said the inclusion of children in the anniversary celebration was deliberate and reflected the Navy’s desire to inspire younger generations while strengthening bonds with host communities.

“I welcome you all warmly to NNS DELTA for this sports event as we commemorate 70 years of the Nigerian Navy. Today we celebrate with our bodies, not just our words. Through the Children’s Novelty Football Match and the Mixed Agency Volleyball Match, we mark seven decades of service with energy, joy and unity.

“Sport is more than competition. It is medicine for the body and strength for the mind. Regular exercise builds healthy hearts, sharp minds and disciplined habits. For our children, sport teaches coordination, resilience and confidence. Every goal scored and every point played is a lesson in focus, fair play and self-belief. That is why child development cannot be complete without sport. A healthy child becomes a healthy adult who can contribute meaningfully to society.”

He added: “These games also teach teamwork and cooperation. On the football pitch, no child wins alone. On the volleyball court, no agency scores alone. You must pass, cover, communicate and trust each other. Those are the same values the Nigerian Navy lives by every day at sea: unity of purpose, mutual support, and winning together for the nation.

“It is deliberate that we gave our children the opportunity to celebrate with the Nigerian Navy at 70. The Navy of tomorrow will be built by the children of today. When they run on this field with our officers and ratings, they see us not just as uniformed personnel, but as mentors, neighbours and friends.”

Also speaking, the Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Delta State Office, Engineer Onoriode Omo-Udoyo, who was represented by Assistant Director, Engineer Ezekiel Atoke, commended the Nigerian Navy for using the anniversary celebration to promote fitness, community engagement and cooperation among security agencies.

He noted that sports remain a vital platform for building discipline, resilience and teamwork, qualities essential for effective security operations. He also praised the participation of civilians and sister agencies, describing it as a demonstration of the collective approach required to address contemporary security challenges.

Atoke said: “For seven decades, the Nigerian Navy has stood as a formidable force safeguarding our maritime domain, protecting our natural assets and ensuring the security of our waters. As I witness this event today, I am reminded that true military excellence is not only formed in battle drills and operations but also on the sport field.

“Sport building discipline fosters team work and promotes physical and mental resilience qualities that define every great sailor and security operative. I am thrilled to see the inclusive and community focused nature of this event featuring the football novelty match, the children’s match, tug of war and volleyball.

“You have deliberately created a platform that bridges ranks, generation and organizations. It speaks volume of the Navy’s commitment to holistic wellbeing and civil military relations.

“Let me also commend the participation of all the paramilitary and sister agencies as well as our civilian communities. In a Nation where inter-agency cooperation is critical in our security architecture, seeing you compete side by side and later celebrate together sends a powerful message of unity.”

At the conclusion of the competitions, Team Blue emerged as the dominant side, recording victories in most of the events. The team defeated Team Green 2-1 in the mixed-agency volleyball match, won the children’s football match 3-1, secured a 2-1 triumph in the adult football encounter and also emerged victorious in the tug-of-war competition. Team Green, however, claimed a convincing 4-1 victory in the female football match.

The event attracted several dignitaries, including the Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission, Onoriode Joshua Oborevwori, represented by the Technical Adviser of Warri Wolves Football Club, Mc Sharif Hassan Amdallah; Commander of the 63 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Moronfolu Shonibare; Commander of the 314 Forward Operating Base of the Nigerian Air Force, Group Captain Charles Abara; and the General Manager of Tantita Security Services Limited, Brigadier General Efe Edafioghor (retd), among others.

Award plaques and gift items, including books and school bags, were presented to footballers at the end of the event, while mosquito nets were distributed to children who attended the celebration. The coach of Team Green, Frank Solomon Okoro, expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Navy for the recognition and gifts presented to participants.