By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
The Executive Chairman of the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS), Comrade Jerry Adams, and the Chairman of Zango-Kataf Local Government Area, Engr. Joseph Bege Gaiya, have lauded the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, for initiating a grassroots football tournament aimed at promoting peace and unity across Kaduna State.
Speaking during the final match of the tournament in Kaduna, Adams described the initiative as a unifying force that has reinforced peaceful coexistence in the state, made possible by the enabling environment provided by Governor Uba Sani.
“You can clearly see that the finalists came from both the Southern and Northern parts of the state. This shows the level of harmony the tournament has fostered. No one is talking religion or ethnicity, everyone is focused on the game,” Adams said.
He emphasized the transformative power of sports in bridging societal divides, commending the collaboration between the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the CDS’s office in using the platform to engage youths and curb idleness.
Adams noted that the CDS had committed to sustaining grassroots initiatives like this as part of the military’s kinetic and non-kinetic strategies for peacebuilding.
On his part, Zango-Kataf Chairman, Engr. Joseph Bege Gaiya, praised the tournament for achieving its core objective of fostering unity among communities of diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds.
“The final featured teams from Sabon Gari and Zango-Kataf, two areas with distinct cultural and religious identities. Yet, the tournament served as a platform to bring them together,” he said.
Gaiya expressed hope that such initiatives would be expanded across the state and beyond to strengthen peace and mutual coexistence.
He also commended the Nigerian military for restoring calm in Zango-Kataf and contributing to national unity.
Also, The Chairman of Kamrum Integrated Farms, Mr. Rijo Shekari, describe sports as a powerful unifier and a vital tool for peacebuilding, expressing optimism that the tournament will be sustained annually.
“I also sponsor similar tournaments in my local government area as part of efforts to promote peace,” he said.
According to him, “There are foreign scouts present here, and before you know it, one of these players could be picked up by a foreign club. This is indeed a welcome development.”
In his remarks, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, said the event was a pilot phase for a more extensive national competition scheduled for later in the year.
“This is just a glimpse of what we’re planning. A zonal tournament for the North is coming next, followed by a national edition,” Musa revealed.
He reiterated the military’s commitment to safeguarding Nigerians and urged communities to see the armed forces as partners in peace.
“The military belongs to the people. We are here to serve, and that sense of ownership and trust must be maintained,” he added.
The final match saw Team Sabon Gari defeat Team Zango-Kataf 1-0 to emerge champions.
