General Christopher Gwabin Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), officially brought the inaugural Abuja National Skating Competition to a close on December 2, 2023. Reflecting on the event, the CDS expressed his admiration for the “enthralling display of skating skills and the showcasing of talents.”
The competition, designed to promote peace and unity among Nigerian children and youths while simultaneously boosting the sport’s popularity, featured three categories: the Half Marathon Race, Slalom Display, and Aggressive Ramp Jump. General Musa emphasized that the competition serves as a deterrent to crimes in society.
Describing the event as a “significant leap” and a notable milestone, General Musa commended the Skating Federation for its remarkable progress. He specifically praised the visionary leadership of Skating President Major General Maikano Abdullahi, acknowledging his workable and pragmatic approach for children and youths. General Musa expressed gratitude to all contributors who played a role in the success of the competition.
Held at the MKO Abiola Stadium, the event showcased a 42.5 Skating Marathon Race, with the winner earning the opportunity to represent Nigeria at the World Championship in Greece the following year.
Major General Maikano, prior to the competition, revealed that the championship aimed to elevate the Nigerian flag on the global skating stage and cultivate popularity for the sport among the nation’s youth. The event saw the enthusiastic participation of over 2000 youths from approximately 20 states, highlighting the growing enthusiasm for skating across the country.