Abuja: The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shuaibu, highlighted the role of sports as an effective means for reconnecting alumni of Command Secondary School, Kaduna, who have been separated for over 30 years. Shuaibu, represented by Rear Adm. Gideon Kachim, shared these insights at the second edition of the annual Inter-House Sports Competition organized by the Command Secondary School Kaduna Old Students Association (COMKADOSA), Abuja Chapter, held at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium’s Training Pitch.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the event aimed to revive old friendships and strengthen bonds among the school’s alumni. The gathering brought together individuals from various graduating classes, many of whom had not seen each other for decades. Shuaibu reflected on how the first edition of the event in 2025 allowed him to reconnect with former classmates, and he expressed optimism that the competition would continue to foster unity among the alumni.
He emphasized the importance of mainta
ining the values of discipline, excellence, and service instilled during their school years and encouraged alumni to support the development of Command Secondary Schools. Shuaibu reiterated the commitment to improving infrastructure and services in these schools, noting ongoing interventions at Command Secondary School Makurdi. He highlighted the schools’ role in producing distinguished Nigerians, including former Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Isiaka Amao.
The COAS described inter-house sports competitions as more than a contest for trophies, viewing them as a practical learning environment that instills teamwork, resilience, fair play, and endurance. He encouraged participants to compete with fairness, respect, and character.
Aaron Ogar, Chairman of COMKADOSA, Abuja Chapter, noted the competition’s goal to preserve the spirit of brotherhood among former students. He called on the Nigerian military to identify and nurture promising athletes for future competitions.
Bunmi Malimin, the event’s chief or
ganizer, reported increased participation, with alumni from the 1982 to 2025 sets attending. She mentioned the upcoming 50th anniversary of Command Secondary School Kaduna in 2027 and the possibility of hosting the competition at the school.
Alumnus Nnamdi Offor, from the 1986 set, described the event as nostalgic, reuniting classmates and friends after decades. The competition concluded with Flying Horse of Stallion House (blue) winning overall, while Tiger House (yellow) emerged champions in the football final.
The events, featuring 12 different sports, commenced on September 11 and concluded today.