A two-day sporting programme marking the 70th anniversary of the Nigerian Navy wrapped up on Wednesday at the Naval Base in Warri, with Team Blue finishing as the standout side across most disciplines.
The meet, organised by the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta, brought together personnel from the Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Customs Service, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), along with other security bodies and members of the host community.
Quick facts
- Event: Two-day sports programme organised by NNS Delta for the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary
- Venue: Naval Base, Warri
- Teams: Blue and Green, made up of personnel from multiple agencies
- Sports on show: Volleyball, football (adult and children) and tug-of-war
- Top performers: Team Blue won most competitions, including tug-of-war
During the programme, Commodore Shehu Tasiu, Commander of NNS Delta, stressed that sport strengthens the operational readiness of security personnel.
He said physical training and mental sharpness are both developed through athletics, adding that the event deliberately blended participants from across agencies and services.
“Sports is meant to develop the physical wellbeing of personnel and also sharpen their mental alertness,” Tasiu said. “This gathering brings together components from all the agencies and services. When we conduct integrated operations, elements from all the services come together to tackle a common threat.”
Tasiu explained that competitors were arranged into Blue and Green squads using personnel drawn from a mix of military, paramilitary and security agencies, reflecting how joint operations are conducted in practice.
“What you see in the volleyball match are two teams — Blue and Green,” he noted. “Each team includes members from all the service agencies and paramilitary agencies. This is meant to underline the value of training. Those that train together, play better.”
He added that the exercise serves as a reminder that armed forces and security institutions must train and rehearse side by side to achieve effective results when operations require coordination.
Results across the competitions
On the opening day, Team Blue edged Team Green 2-1 in the volleyball event featuring officers from the Navy, Police, Customs and other security agencies.
The children’s football contest also went Team Blue’s way, with a 3-1 win over Team Green.
In the second day’s action, Team Blue extended its strong showing by claiming the adult football match 2-1, while Team Green responded with a commanding 4-1 success in the female football category.
Team Blue then capped its campaign by winning the tug-of-war event, finishing with titles in multiple disciplines.
Closing remarks were delivered by Engineer Onoriode Omo-Udoyo, Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Delta State Office, who attended in representation of Engineer Ezekiel Atoke, the Assistant Director.
Omo-Udoyo, speaking through Atoke, commended the Nigerian Navy for organising the programme and highlighted how sport helps build stronger security institutions.
He pointed to the Navy’s role over the past seven decades in safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime space, protecting national resources and ensuring safety across the 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 sports field,” he said.
He further argued that sport nurtures discipline, teamwork and both physical and mental resilience—traits he described as defining for sailors and security operatives.
Atoke also praised the event’s inclusive structure, noting that the football novelty match, children’s football, tug-of-war and volleyball created chances for interaction across ranks, age groups and organisations.
He singled out the participation of sister security agencies, paramilitary formations and civilians, describing the competition as a clear example of unity and collaboration.
“In a nation where inter-agency cooperation is critical to our security architecture, seeing you compete side by side and later celebrate together sends a powerful message of unity,” Atoke said.
Addressing participants directly, he urged them to carry forward the principles of sportsmanship, teamwork and resilience.
He told the athletes to compete with energy and discipline, adding that tug-of-war should serve as a lesson in collective strength. He also said volleyball highlights the importance of constant communication, while encouraging the children to play with joy and pursue their aspirations.
Dignitaries who attended included Onoriode Joshua Oborevwori, Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission, represented by Mc Sharif Hassan Amdallah, Technical Adviser of Warri Wolves Football Club; Brigadier General Moronfolu Shonibare of the 63 Brigade Nigerian Army; Group Captain Charles Abara of the 314 Forward Operating Base, Nigerian Air Force; and Brigadier General Efe Edafioghor (retd), General Manager of Tantita Security Services Limited.
The programme concluded with the presentation of award plaques and gift items, including books and bags for the football participants, as well as mosquito nets given to children who attended the event.
