By Daniel Dauda, Jos


Commander of special Task Force (STF), Operation SAFE HAVEN in Plateau State, Major Gen. Ibrahim Ali has described sports as a unifying factor that foster unity and peaceful coexistence in the society.

Ali made the assertion on Saturday in Jos,the state capital during a grand finale of Chief of Defense Staff, General Lucky Iraboh marathon/football peace tournament, held at Rwang Pam Township Stadia, Jos.

The peace marathon and football competition which was organized by Operation SAFE HAVEN saw the participating athletes cutting across the 17 Local Government of Plateau, some parts of Kaduna and Bauchi States.

According to STF Commander, " the aimed of the tournament is to foster and enhance civil-military relations through sport, most especially peace among young people.

" We will continue exploring all available avenues in deepening peace within our area of jurisdiction."

Ali appreciates Governors of Plateau, Bauchi and Kaduna for supporting them in peace building process as he assured the Command's readiness to fair and just in the course of discharging their responsibility.

Chief of Defense staff General Lucky Iraboh, represented by Air Commodore Patrick Yekwe while commending STF for the well thought initiative call on the participants to consider the tournament as an endanger peace and security in their domain.

Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong acknowledged that the event is apt in building peace, security and good governance in the state.

Lalong who was represented by Secretary to the state Government Professor Danladi Atu urged contingents to continue being the agents of peace on the Plateau and Nigeria as Government will continue to partner with security agencies to ensure peace and harmonious coexistence.

In footballe finale, Barkin Ladi Local Government defeated Riyom counterpart two-nill (2-0) to emerged the first champions of Chief of Defense staff peace tournament on the Plateau.

However, first position Barkin Ladi were given medals, trophy and the cheque of N500,000 as runner up Riyom got medals, trophy and N400,000 cheque, Shendam LGA who comes third went home with medals and N300,000 cheque while Zangon Katap LGA of Kaduna state, the forth position got N200, 000 cheque respectively.

In the same vein, marathon race in which consists of Male and Female categories 15 contingents were selected from each of the 17 Local Government of the state ran from Secretariat junction to Rwang Pam Township stadium.

Adamu Mu'azu Shehu and Vera Yohanna emerged champions they were given a gold medal and N300,000 cheque each. Second positions Paul James and Blessing Solomon secured a silver medals and N200,000 cheque each while Emmanuel Gyang and Rose who became third obtained bronze medals and N150, 000 each.

Meanwhile, N10,000 was given to each male and female participants that emerged winner from 4th to 23th positions.