Peace, Unity Tournament Drives Grassroots Peace, Youth Empowerment in Jos South

From Tongnaan Bawa, Jos

The second edition of the Peace and Unity Football Tournament, organized by the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Dr. Gyang Bere, has been commended as a strategic grassroots initiative promoting peace, youth engagement, and social cohesion in Vwang District of Jos South Local Government Area.

The tournament, which drew community leaders, government officials, traditional rulers, youths, and sports stakeholders, was held with the full support and approval of Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, whose administration has continued to prioritize peacebuilding and youth development across Plateau State.

Speaking at the grand finale, Dr. Bere said the tournament was conceived as a platform to foster peace and unity, particularly among young people, while also addressing the rising challenge of drug abuse in the district.

“This competition is designed to bring our people together, especially the youths, and channel their energy toward productive ventures that will profit them and society at large,” he said.

Dr. Bere disclosed that the initiative enjoyed the full backing of Governor Mutfwang, whom he described as deeply committed to youth empowerment, peace, and grassroots development.

“The governor has fully approved, encouraged, and supported this tournament. His vision is to create an enabling environment where young people can thrive economically, socially, and professionally,” he stated.

He assured participants that the Mutfwang administration remains determined to deliver the dividends of democracy by ensuring peace and stability across the state, noting that meaningful development cannot be achieved without peace.

According to him, the governor also plans to revive inter-school sports competitions, particularly at the secondary school level, as a strategy for talent discovery and development.

“Before now, inter-school competitions were a strong platform for talent discovery. The governor is working seriously to restore this tradition so our young people can compete beyond Plateau State and Nigeria,” Bere said.

Highlighting outcomes from the maiden edition of the tournament, Dr. Bere revealed that several players had already gained international exposure.

“We were able to secure passports and visas for some players from last year’s competition. As we speak, some of them are currently playing football in Egypt and Europe,” he disclosed, adding that more talents would be identified from the 2025/2026 edition for international opportunities.

Dr. Bere expressed appreciation to traditional institutions, community leaders, players, referees, officials, donors, and media organizations for their support, stressing that such gatherings are only possible in a peaceful environment.

He urged youths to shun violence and drug abuse, and instead embrace sports, skills acquisition, and entrepreneurship.
He also appreciated his wife for her personal support toward sustaining the tournament, assuring that the 2026 edition would be “bigger, more entertaining, and more impactful.”

In his remarks, President of the Berom Education and Cultural Organisation (BECO), Da Gyang Dudu, described the tournament as an initiative that started modestly but has grown into a major community event with international appeal.

He called for the construction of a standard football stadium with natural grass in Vwang District to further harness and expose local talents. Da Dudu also announced that 2026 would be dedicated to a youth-centred festival aimed at addressing social challenges and promoting positive youth engagement.

Also speaking, the Executive Chairman of Jos South Local Government Area, Hon. Silas Patrick Dung, praised the unity displayed by youths during the tournament, describing it as “Jos South’s own version of the Africa Cup of Nations.”

He commended Dr. Bere for sponsoring the competition and assured continued local government support for initiatives that promote peace, unity, and development.

The chairman also acknowledged the role of community leaders in maintaining calm among youths and appreciated residents for their solidarity following the January 1, 2026 terrorist attack that claimed nine lives.

Hon. Dung further announced plans to revive the Jos South Chairman’s Cup in 2026, featuring teams from all five districts, as part of efforts to strengthen unity through sports.

He awarded the winners with the sum of #500,000, second runners 300,000 and third position 200,000 respectively.

The tournament climaxed with Turu United defeating Vwang Central to emerge champions, marking a successful conclusion to the second edition of the Peace and Unity Football Tournament.

Our correspondent reports that Stakeholders described the competition as a clear demonstration of how Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang’s peace agenda, complemented by Dr. Gyang Bere’s grassroots initiative, is positively transforming youth engagement and fostering unity at the community level.

Some dignitaries at the occasion were honoured with medal for gracing the annual sport competition, amongst them was the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ Plateau State Council, Mrs. Ayuku Pwaspo.