News
Community Leaders and PPBA Unite to Honor Fallen Peace Advocate, Renew Commitment to Peace
In response to the brutal killing of Yakubu Muhammad, a dedicated member of the 17-Man Peace Implementation Committee for Irigwe-Bassa Local Government Area, the Director General of the Plateau State Peace Building Agency (PPBA), Dr. Julie Sanda, led a condolence visit to the Miango community.
Dr. Sanda was joined by The Revd Dr. Gideon Para-Mallam, President and CEO of The Gideon and Funmi Para-Mallam Peace Foundation, the Director of Administration at PPBA, Elkhana Izam, and other agency members. They visited the palace of the paramount ruler of Miango, His Royal Highness Rev. Ronku Aka (Rtd.), to offer their sympathies and reinforce their commitment to peace efforts.
“We were deeply shocked and saddened by the death of our brother Yakubu. His commitment to peace was unwavering, and his loss is a stark reminder that there are those who oppose peace. We must ensure that his sacrifice is not in vain and that our peace initiatives continue with even greater resolve,” said Dr. Sanda.
Dr. Sanda emphasized that their visit was supported by Plateau State Governor Barr Caleb Mutfwang, who also conveyed his condolences along with other stakeholders dedicated to peace. She highlighted the crucial role of the Gideon and Funmi Para-Mallam Peace Foundation in facilitating the current peace agreement.
Revd Gideon Para-Mallam echoed these sentiments, expressing profound sorrow over Yakubu’s death and calling for decisive action to prevent further violence. He also conveyed condolences from the new Chief Imam of the Jos Central Mosque, Sheikh Gazali Isma’il Adam.
In response, His Royal Highness Rev. Ronku Aka appreciated the visit and reaffirmed his commitment to peace. He acknowledged the efforts of the PPBA and the Para-Mallam Peace Foundation and stressed the importance of resolving all issues to ensure lasting peace in Bassa LGA. He called on all stakeholders to work collaboratively and continue praying for peace.
The meeting concluded with a session between the PPBA team and the 17-Man Peace Implementation Committee. Musa Audu, the committee chairman, called for decisive action to bring those responsible for Yakubu’s killing to justice. He also requested assistance for resettling affected persons and supporting Yakubu’s family, emphasizing the need for more sensitization and education on drug abuse prevention.
Dr. Sanda assured the committee of the PPBA’s commitment to addressing their requests and supporting their efforts, including providing technical support and capacity-building initiatives.
Yakubu Muhammad, a committed peace advocate and leader of the Fulani Youth, was assassinated on July 18, 2024, by individuals opposed to the peace process. His death underscores the ongoing challenges in achieving lasting peace in Irigwe land and Bassa LGA.
Nigeria’s Falconets have completed their final preparations for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup with a 1-1 draw against South Korea U-20 in their final warm-up match in Poland.
Sports247 reports that the encounter provided Nigeria’s coaching crew with one last opportunity to assess the squad before the team begins its campaign at the global tournament.
Mary Mamudu put the Falconets ahead in the 29th minute, giving Nigeria a deserved advantage as the young West Africans looked to finish their preparations on a winning note.
South Korea, however, fought back after the interval and eventually drew level from the penalty spot in the 78th minute. Neither side could find a winning goal thereafter, leaving the two teams to share the spoils in a competitive final test.
The result means Nigeria conclude their Poland-based friendly programme with one victory and one draw, providing valuable match experience ahead of the World Cup.
The Falconets have been preparing extensively for the tournament following a successful qualification campaign in which they overcame Rwanda 5-0 on aggregate, Senegal 3-1 on aggregate and Malawi 3-2 on aggregate.
Nigeria will now shift their attention fully to their opening Group F fixture against Spain on September 7. The team will subsequently face China PR on September 10 before rounding off the group stage against New Caledonia on September 13.
Nigeria remain the only African nation to have featured at every edition of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, underlining the country’s remarkable consistency at the youth level.
The Falconets have also come agonizingly close to lifting the trophy, finishing runners-up in 2010 and 2014. Their latest campaign therefore presents another opportunity for Nigeria to pursue a first-ever world title in the competition.
The draw against South Korea will give the technical crew plenty to analyze as the final preparations are completed, particularly with the opening game against Spain now approaching.
With the warm-up fixtures behind them, the Falconets can now focus on the task ahead in Poland. The preparations are over. The World Cup journey begins on September 7.
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