By Daniel Dauda, Jos
History once again have made on the Plateau as personalities graciously came together devoid of political parties, religious beliefs or ethnic background to witness the kick off of first ever edition of Plateau North peace, unity and reconciliation football tournament.
Among the dignitaries who grace the peace, unity and reconciliation football tournament organized Senator representing Plateau North Senatorial district, Istifanus D. Gyang Esq includes; Deputy speaker House of Representatives, Idris Maje Wase, former Governor of Plateau State, Senator Jonah David Jang, Super Eagles Captain Ahmed Musa, Members representing Jos South/Jos East and Bassa/Jos North Constituency at the National Assembly, Dachwung Musa Bagos and Haruna Maitala as well as other prominent Nigerians.
Our correspondent learned that about 24 grass root football teams qualified out of the 73, cutting across the 6 Local Government Areas of Jos South, Jos North, Jos East, Barkin Ladi, Riyom and Bassa that participated in the preliminary stage to reach the second stage of the tournament.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the tournament in the renowned Rwang Pam Township Stadium, Jos on Saturday, Senator I.D. Gyang revealed "the vision that birthed this tournament is embedded in my campaign manifesto of prioritizing the rebuilding of peace and return of harmonious coexistence to Plateau North Constituency that has been fractured by discord, acrimony, animosity and became a axis of violence."
He said tagging the tournament Plateau North peace, unity and reconciliation football tournament is anchored on the desire and need to change the narrative and rebuild confidence and togetherness against challenges of insecurity which the Constituency faced at varying times for upward of two decades, post colonial era.
"Diversity and plurality need not be a liability except where it is mismanaged. We therefore can through constructive engagement, not only profit but turn ethnic and religious diversity into an asset and in the process, transform Plateau North to become the model of recovery in overcoming a diversity, animosity and hate. Peace is priceless and paramount and is my passion", he mentioned.
Senator I.D.Gyang also confirmed that the tournament is a platform for Youth to showcase talents hitherto unnoticed and unsppoted for want of opportunity.
"This discovery will facilitate their grooming and development to prepared and equip them to become future stars in professional football both locally and internationally.
"This is in keeping with the long established fact of history which records this city of Jos, indeed, Plateau North as the birth place and rise of many football legends in Nigeria", he added.
Deputy speaker House Representatives, Idris Maje Wase eulogize Senator I.D.Gyang for the initiative, saying that"if Plateau North is peaceful the country will always be at peace because Plateau North is a miniature Nigeria.
He also promised to dulls out N1million to the winner of the tournament, N7 hundred thousand for second position and N5 hundred thousand for third position, while the highest goal scorer, best player and best goalkeeper will get N1hundred thousand each.
However, the first game encounter of the tournament between Gyel B ward of Jos South versus Kinanpa ward of Bassa ended in a 1-1 draw.
0 Comments
Post a Comment