The 81 Division Education Services has launched the 81 Division Inter Command Secondary Schools Sports Competition, with a strong call on students to see sports as a formative journey that shapes character, leadership, and destiny. The event was held on Tuesday, 10 February 2026, at the General Tukur Yusuf Buratai Sports Complex, TA Lagbaja Cantonment, Ikeja, Lagos.
According to a statement by Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 81 Division Nigerian Army “Declaring the Competition open, the Special Guest of Honour and Commander 9 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General AO Owolabi, urged students to compete not merely for medals, but for the men and women they will become tomorrow. He emphasized that sports occupy a unique place in learning, describing it as a classroom where lessons are written in sweat rather than ink.
Brigadier General Owolabi reiterated that the sporting event is anchored on the rich historical legacy of the Nigerian Army, built on physical fitness, mental toughness, and an unbreakable spirit in the face of adversity. He noted that participation in sports sharpens mental focus, builds physical fortitude, and instils a sense of purpose in students qualities that ultimately shape both their present and future endeavours.
Earlier in her welcome remarks, the Director, 81 Division Education Services, Colonel OA Olubo, described the competition as a flagship sporting event designed to achieve a profound fusion of mind and body among students. She emphasized that a scholar without discipline and resilience is like a ship without a rudder.
Colonel Olubo further stated that the competition was organised to foster unity among students, transcending individual rivalries and reinforcing the collective spirit of the Command Schools community. She further added that the event also serves as a platform for discovering talents not only by being the fastest athletes, but sportsmen and women who can lead with integrity, lose with dignity, and win with humility.
She urged participants to look beyond medals, noting that while medals may varnish with time, the character built in the process of competing endures forever. She encouraged officials to uphold the highest standards of fairness, stressing that integrity remains the foundation of the competition. She also called on spectators to cheer with a spirit that motivates every athlete to give their best.
Dignitaries present at the event includes the Corps Commander Education represented by Lieutenant Colonel UI Jafaru; the Director, Nigerian Army Library Services; the Director, Institute of Army Education Ikeja; Commandants of Command Secondary Schools in Lagos; as well as senior officers of the Education Corps and other senior officers within 81 Division Area of Responsibility.
Highlights of the opening ceremony includes presentation of souvenirs, a colourful march-past by students, oath-taking by participants/officials, and the lighting of the Torch of Unity, among others.