By Ahmed Rahma
A member of the red chamber of the National Assembly, Mr Istifanus Gyang, has distributed football kits to members of his community.
The lawmaker represents the people of Plateau North Senatorial District at the parliament. The distribution of the items was made ahead of the first-ever Peace, Unity and Reconciliation Football Tournament to be held in the zone.
Mr Gyang disclosed that the tournament will avail youths in the senatorial district to showcase their talents, adding that telents discovered from the competition would be developed to become professional players like Ahmed Musa, Sam Pam, among others.
“This tournament is an initiative and mechanism for peacebuilding in Plateau North.
“The intention and desire is to drive the agenda of promoting peace, unity and reconciliation as the game of football has proven to be a unifying factor among Nigerians defying all divisive tendencies, prejudices and sentiment.
“The tournament will also enable us to attain the objective of availing the youth the opportunity the showcase their talents in football artistry and provide entertainment for football enthusiasts,” the Senator said.
The lawmaker, who is also the Deputy Chairman Senate Committee on Defence, further stated that “through this tournament, talents shall be discovered from the grassroots, that will be developed and groomed to become professional players in the near future, producing the likes of Ahmed Musa the national captain of the Super Eagles, whose presence we are privilege to have on this occasion.”
The legislator appreciated members of the Local Organising Committee for accepting to plan the tournament, saying, “I am hopeful that given their technical know-how and expertise in the game of football, the tournament shall be a huge success.”
“Today’s event is marking the distribution of kits to football teams from the 73 electoral Wards of Plateau North that will feature in the tournament.
“Let me reiterate my admonition to the LOC and coaches at the ward levels that this tournament has no room for any form of segregation be it political, ethnic, religious or whatever.
“It is an all inclusive and unifying tournament that is to enhance togetherness and harmony, thus attaining the overall objective of building peace, unity and reconciliation in Plateau North”, he stressed.
Among kits distributed were Jerseys, footballs and tracksuits to all the 73 wards that make up the six LGAs of Jos South, Jos North, Jos East, Bassa, Barkin Ladi and Riyom that make up the senatorial zone.
Also speaking, Captain of Super Eagles, Ahmed Musa, commended the lawmaker for organising the tournament and the reason behind its organisation, which are “Peace, unity and reconciliation”.
He recalled with nostalgia how as young boys, they use to play football in various communities not minding their religious background, but today it’s not the same, as there are no go areas.
He maintained that the Senator’s initiative is laudable and should be extended across the 17 LGAs of the State.
Musa also promised to give N3 million to the winners of the tournament, N2 million and N1 million to the second and third positions respectively.
Modupe Gbadeyanka 
Dipo Olowookere