Keffi (Nasarawa state) – The Eggon Youth Movement (EYM), Keffi chapter, says it is promoting peaceful coexistence in Nasarawa state through grassroots sport competition.
The association said sports would foster unity and peaceful co-existence among the diverse ethnic, religious and political groups in the country.
Mr Samson Kigbu, the branch Chairman of the association, said this on Monday while addressing newsmen at the final of Unity Cup competition organised by the group for youths in Keffi local government area of the state.
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Kigbu underscored the importance of sports to the socio-economic development of the country, hence the need of the competition among the youths of the area and their neighbours.
“I have decided to organise this football competition in order to bring together youths in every nook and cranny of this local government and beyond to enable them discover their hidden talents and potentials for the development of the state and the country at large.
“As you see, this is the final competition. Sixteen teams participated in this competition and we are optimistic that the competition will promote love, unity and peaceful co-existence not only among the youths but also among the diverse ethnic, religious and political groups.
“This competition has also provided an avenue for my people to interact, to exchange positive ideas and pleasantries as well as reducing youth’s restiveness among the youths for the overall development of the state.
“Sport is a valuable tool for national integration, apart from physical well-being, sports can play an important role for a safer, more prosperous and more peaceful society through its educational values and worldwide network,” he said.
He restated the commitment of the association to continue to key in to youth friendly programmes in order to better the standard of living of the youths, the people of the area and the state at large.
Also speaking, the Emir of Keffi in Nasarawa state, Dr Shehu Usman-Yamusa III, commended the association for the initiative and called for its sustenance.
Usman-Yamusa III, who was represented by Alhaji Nuhu Ma’aji Ramalan, the Tafarkin Keffi, said that the Emirate Council would support any programme that would bring peace to the area and the state at large.
In his good will message, the Aren Eggon of Keffi, Mallam Mohammed Aminu-Kigbu, enjoined Eggon people to continue to live in unity and peace with their neighbours in the interest of development.
He also called on the youths and Nigerians at large to be law abiding, respect constituted authorities; live in peace and shun all negative tendencies in order to achieve permanent peace in the country.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that during the two final encounters between Angwan Kwara United FC defeated Gwaza United FC by 2 goals to one, while Tudun Amama United FC came third. (NAN)
