In a vibrant show of unity and advocacy, the Plateau State Peace Building Agency (PPBA), in collaboration with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), hosted a landmark sporting event on Saturday to commemorate the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace. The event, held at the Rwang Pam Township Stadium in Jos, brought together youth, community members, government officials, and peace advocates to promote social inclusion and peacebuilding through sports.
Marking its first-ever celebration of this UN-recognized day in Plateau State, the agency used the occasion to draw attention to conflict transformation efforts, especially in areas historically affected by violence. The event featured various sporting activities and messages of hope, reconciliation, and social cohesion.
Speaking at the event, Director General of the Plateau Peace Building Agency, Dr. Julie Sanda, emphasized the significance of the theme for this year—Social Inclusion—noting that it aligns directly with the agency’s core mission.
“Sports have a unique power to unite people across divides,” Dr. Sanda said. “On this day, we are not just playing games—we are rebuilding the social fabric of communities affected by conflict. Social inclusion is central to our work, and today we are proud to have representatives from communities like Tina Duse, Oku Nshanu, and Abanishehu Kabong, who were once flashpoints of conflict.”
She also highlighted the involvement of youth and persons with disabilities, stating that inclusive peacebuilding remains a strategic focus of the agency. “Youth are often blamed for fueling conflicts, but we believe they are powerful tools for peace,” she said, pointing to the Generation Peace Youth Camp initiative as a symbol of ongoing engagement.
Representing the Ministry of Youths and Sports, Alhaji Nuhu Tamba, the ministry’s permanent secretary, officially declared the competition open. He lauded the Peace Building Agency’s efforts, describing sports as a universal language that transcends differences.
“Sports today are more than competition—they are platforms for unity and healing,” he noted.
Also speaking at the event, Ngukeghen Daniel, who represented Myriam Wedraogo, Head of the PEACECORE II project, praised the partnership with PPBA. She described the event as a strong demonstration of collective commitment to peace and community resilience.
“We’re not only celebrating athleticism but the values that sport instills—teamwork, perseverance, respect. Through PEACECORE II, we are working across Plateau, Kaduna, and Taraba to tackle the roots of conflict and improve livelihoods,” she said.
Ambassador Yahaya Kwande, Chairman of the Plateau Football Association, shared a touching story of how football once helped bring peace during Sierra Leone’s civil war. He pledged more collaboration through an expanded week-long program next year involving teams from diverse backgrounds.
“We’re already organizing tournaments to bridge divides, and with support, we can scale this impact,” he added, while also calling for solidarity with victims of recent violence in Bokos by asking Plateau United to wear black armbands in an upcoming match.
Nanmak Baki, President of the Plateau Peace Practitioner Network, called for the institutionalization of the initiative, urging stakeholders not to let the celebration be a one-off event.
“Social cohesion is critical. Let’s continue using sports—especially football—as a bridge to unite communities and deepen peace efforts,” Baki said.
The event concluded with sporting displays from youth groups and physically challenged sports teams with youths carrying signage of powerful messages significantly noting that peace is achievable when communities come together in shared purpose and play.
