The 2025 CDS Democracy Day Basketball Championship has officially tipped off at the indoor sports hall, Package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, with a thrilling and a vibrant opening ceremony, in Abuja.
The ceremony brought all 16 teams together on parade before the organizers, marking the start of the 2nd edition of the tournament.
In his opening remarks, the Chief of Defence Staff, General CG Musa OFR said the primary objective of the championship is to encourage Civil-Military relationship and to foster unity among Nigerians.
Beyond this, is to also identify talents in our youths and build their capacity while enabling them contribute effectively to nation building, say CDS, Christopher Musa.
”The theme of the Championship which is, Encouraging Grassroot Basketball Talents, encapsulates the drive to identified talents in our youths and build their capacity while enabling them contribute effectively to nation building”
“The primary objective of the tournament is to strengthen Civil-Military Cooperation by positively engaging the youths in healthy competition while promoting mutual understanding and respect,” he stated.
Team Nasarawa got their campaign underway with a sumptuous and a comfortable 32-28 win over Gilali of Kaduna, while hostilities is expected to continue on Monday with other games on schedule.
The event was attended by distinguished guests, the Chief of Defence Staff himself, General CG Musa OFR, Air Commodore Dola, SGOH (RTD), Members of 38 RC, Director of sports, FCT Sports council, HRH Eke Ifeanyi, Mr Anthony (Chairman FCT Basketball caretaker committee), Dept Chiefs DHQ, CDPP, CDOP, and the Chief of Training.
The Democracy Day Basketball Championship which started on Saturday, June 14, is expected to run through to Wednesday, June 18, 2025.