By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
The National Defence College (NDC), in partnership with the Nigeria Shooting Sport Federation (NSSF), has staged the maiden edition of the NDC Course 34 Graduation Shooting Competition, with stakeholders highlighting the potential of shooting to produce Olympic medals for Nigeria.
The competition, held at the National Shooting Range, Package B, Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, formed part of activities marking the graduation of Course 34.
Speaking at the event, Chief of Defence Administration, Defence Headquarters, Rear Admiral Gideon Kachim, described the initiative as a novel and important development, noting that shooting promotes discipline, concentration, patience, precision and mental alertness.
Kachim said the principles of marksmanship extend beyond the range, stressing that qualities such as patience, proper alignment and the ability to follow through can positively influence everyday life and professional conduct.
Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, said the Commission would support shooting as part of its broader strategy to diversify Nigeria’s medal prospects at the Olympic Games.
Dikko stressed that Nigeria must look beyond traditional medal sports such as football and athletics, revealing plans to improve infrastructure, identify talents through domestic competitions and provide promising athletes with opportunities to compete internationally.
He said the ultimate objective is to create a clear pathway for talented shooters to gain international experience, improve their rankings and eventually qualify for the Olympic Games.
President of the Nigeria Shooting Sport Federation, Commodore Shettima Mohammed Shagir, said the federation is deliberately taking shooting to military institutions and the wider public to correct the misconception that the sport is exclusively for the armed forces.
Shagir noted that the initiative follows a similar Nigerian Navy Shooting Tournament held two months ago and forms part of efforts to make shooting more popular, accessible and competitive in Nigeria.
He said the federation would continue its grassroots engagement by introducing more Nigerians to the sport while working with the National Sports Commission and other stakeholders to build a sustainable pathway towards international and Olympic competition.
The event brought together senior military officers, NDC faculty, Course 34 participants and invited guests, with organisers emphasising the role of sporting activities in promoting physical fitness, mental well-being, teamwork and camaraderie.
The maiden competition therefore marks another step towards repositioning shooting not only as a recreational activity, but also as a potential source of international honours for Nigeria.
