Security
Timber Stars FC Win Greater Together Peace and Unity Football Tournament
The second edition of the Greater Together Peace and Unity Football Competition ended on a thrilling note on Sunday, December 28, 2025, at the Mangu Mini Stadium, with Timber Stars FC emerging champions after a dramatic final against Spiders FC.
The highly competitive encounter ended goalless at the end of regulation time, forcing the match into a penalty shootout. Timber Stars FC held their nerves to defeat Spiders FC 4–3 on penalties, securing the championship title and the ₦1 million first-place prize. Spiders FC finished as runners-up and received ₦700,000, while Na’atika Lynx FC clinched third place with a cash reward of ₦500,000. Individual honours were also presented for Outstanding Player of the Tournament, Best Goalkeeper, Highest Goal Scorer, Best Behaved Team, among others.
The tournament featured 24 teams drawn from the 20 wards of Mangu Local Government Area and attracted thousands of spectators to the final. Organizers recorded a peaceful and incident-free competition throughout its duration, underscoring the event’s core objective of promoting unity and coexistence.
The competition was jointly organized by the Deputy Chairman of Mangu Local Government Area, Hon. Nuhu Yakwen; Hon. Engr. Mangna Yusuf Wamyil of the Jos Main Market Authority; Nurse Ndak Zuhumnan, Programme Manager of the Plateau State Malaria Elimination Programme; Hon. Sam Shwarta, Special Assistant to the Executive Governor of Plateau State; and entrepreneur Hon. Wilson Simon.
Speaking at the event, the Plateau State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Musa Ibrahim Ashoms, described the tournament as a laudable initiative that aligns with the state government’s commitment to youth development and social cohesion. He noted that more than 700 youths participated in the competition, stressing that such platforms foster unity, peace, and healthy competition beyond government interventions.
Similarly, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Ephraim Usman, said the tournament was a clear indication that peace has returned to Mangu LGA after past security challenges. He highlighted football’s power to unite people across religious, ethnic, and linguistic divides and emphasized its potential to uncover talents capable of representing Plateau State and Nigeria at higher levels.
Also speaking, Nurse Ndak Zuhumnan, popularly known as Kizito, said the initiative was inspired by the vision of Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang to positively engage youths and redirect their energies. He noted that the competition united communities and helped steer youths away from social vices, with no negative incidents recorded throughout the tournament.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Plateau State Drug and Medical Commodities Management Agency, Pharm. Kim Jerry Bot, commended the organizers for what he described as a noble initiative capable of driving peace, unity, and development in line with the governor’s people-oriented agenda. The General Manager of the Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB), Arch. Hart Bankat, also emphasized the importance of engaging youths constructively during festive periods, describing sports as a vital avenue for talent discovery.
Earlier, Hon. Mangna Yusuf Wamyil explained that the tournament was conceived to foster peace and unity in Mangu LGA, an area that has experienced sectarian and religious crises in the past. He expressed satisfaction with the success of the second edition and disclosed that scouts and top government officials were in attendance to identify promising talents for future opportunities.
The final match and award ceremony attracted several dignitaries, government officials, community leaders, and football enthusiasts, as the packed Mangu Mini Stadium reflected renewed unity, hope, and enthusiasm for sports in the area.
News
The fourth edition of Jasper Fiton Football Tournament Begins in Bokkos, Unites 45 Teams for Peace and Talent Discovery
The fourth edition of the Jasper Fiton Football Tournament officially kicked off on Sunday at the Bokkos Mini Stadium, with hundreds of football enthusiasts, community leaders and stakeholders gathering to celebrate grassroots football, youth development and peaceful coexistence.
The tournament, which has become one of the most anticipated sporting events in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, began with a humanitarian outreach during which exercise books and cash donations were presented to over 100 indigent and physically challenged persons before the opening match.
In the tournament’s opening fixture, Takai United FC and Young Stars FC settled for a thrilling 1-1 draw, entertaining a capacity crowd that filled the stadium.
This year’s competition features 45 teams drawn from across Bokkos Local Government Area, with the grand finale scheduled for October. The eventual champions will receive a substantial cash prize.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the sponsor of the tournament, Chief Joseph Maful, popularly known as Jasper Fiton, described football as a powerful instrument for promoting peace and unity in communities.
Bokkos is a community that loves peace. The massive turnout here today shows that our people desire to live together in harmony. Football is the only language that can unite people regardless of their differences,” he said.
Chief Maful explained that the competition was created to provide young people with meaningful engagement while encouraging sporting excellence despite prevailing security challenges in some parts of the country.
“We are doing this because we want this tournament to endure, so that even generations yet unborn will know that football can bring people together. Security challenges will not stop us from creating opportunities for our youths to interact, learn and build lasting friendships,” he stated.
He also challenged community leaders, stakeholders and elites in Bokkos to invest more in youth-focused initiatives through sports.
“This is a challenge to every stakeholder. When we invest in our young people, we invest in the future of our community,” he added.
Beyond football, the tournament’s opening ceremony featured a significant humanitarian gesture as Chief Maful distributed ten 40-leaf exercise books and cash gifts of at least ₦10,000 each to more than 100 physically challenged and less privileged individuals.
According to him, the outreach was inspired by biblical principles of compassion and the need to support vulnerable members of society.
“We are only custodians of what we have. It is important to support the less privileged and make them feel included in our community,” he said.
Chief Maful also revealed that previous editions of the tournament had produced talented footballers who are now pursuing careers in different parts of Nigeria, expressing optimism that this year’s competition would create even greater opportunities, including possible international exposure for outstanding players.
Tournament Built on Unity and Talent Discovery
Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Israel Hamidu Dakup, said the competition has remained true to its founding vision since its inception four years ago.
“Four years ago, we started this tournament to unite our youth, promote sportsmanship and discover talents. Today, that vision is alive and growing stronger,” Dakup said.
He urged participating teams to compete with discipline, respect and integrity, stressing that the tournament represents more than the pursuit of trophies.
“This tournament is about character and opportunity. To our coaches, officials, sponsors, partners and volunteers, thank you for your commitment in making this edition bigger and better,” he stated.
Dakup noted that this year’s theme, “Keeping Our Youth Engaged, Healthy and Away from Social Vices Through Football,” underscores the organisers’ commitment to youth empowerment, community development and peacebuilding through sports.
He thereafter declared the fourth edition of the Jasper Fiton Football Tournament officially open and wished all participating teams a successful and sportsmanlike competition.
News
‘Security operatives connive with local militias to kill our people’ – Fulani youth leader alleges
-
News2 days agoThe fourth edition of Jasper Fiton Football Tournament Begins in Bokkos, Unites 45 Teams for Peace and Talent Discovery
-
Entertainment2 days ago
Big Chinni Thrills Audience as NASCO Cornflakes Powers Mr & Miss UNIJOS 2026
-
News4 days ago
OpenAI reportedly finds evidence that more of its agents ran amok
-
News4 days ago
Osun 2026: INEC charges officials, transport unions on neutrality
