Gov Uba Sani Declares 1 Division Nigerian Army Football For Peace Tournament 2024 Open In Kaduna, Applauds The GOC For The Thoughtful Initiative

Gov Uba Sani Declares 1 Division Nigerian Army Football For Peace Tournament 2024 Open In Kaduna, Applauds The GOC For The Thoughtful Initiative

In furtherance of the Nigerian Army Civil Military Cooperation activities and the determination to further peaceful and harmonious co-existence among youths in various communities in Kaduna State, 1 Division Nigerian Army in conjunction with Simoiben Football Academy Kaduna has organised a 4-team football tournament holding from 7th – 9th June 2024 at the New Barracks Football Pitch Opposite Mammy Market in Ribadu Cantonment Kaduna.

Declaring the tournament open on 8 June 2024, the Special Guest of Honour and Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani who was ably represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Sports Development Kaduna State, Prof Benjamin Gugong stated that the initiative represents a remarkable convergence of sportsmanship, community engagement and the pursuit of peace which are vital components of the Nigerian Army’s Civil Military Cooperation activities aimed at foster peace and stability in Kaduna State.

He commended the General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Operation Whirl Punch Maj Gen MLD Saraso and Simoiben Football Academy Kaduna for the well thought-out initiative of uniting the youths and communities through sports. He stressed that the tournament will not only promote physical fitness and healthy lifestyles but also instil values of discipline, fair play and cooperation among youths and as well encouraged them to shun violent extremism and other crimes. He extended his gratitude to Simon Moses, Taiwo Awoniyi, Chidera Ejike and all the international football stars for honouring the invitation stating that their contributions are invaluable in the collective quest for peace and unity in Kaduna State.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, the organiser of the tournament and General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army Maj Gen MLD Saraso stated that the significant sporting event which is organised in conjunction with Simoiben Football Academy Kaduna, embodies commitment to fostering peaceful and harmonious co-existence among the youths of Kaduna State as part of the Nigerian Army Civil Military Cooperation (CIMIC) activities.

He stressed that the tournament is not just a sporting event but a platform to bridge divides and build enduring relationships within communities reiterating that sports and football in particular, serve as powerful tools for unity which transcend barriers, bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds and fostering a spirit of camaraderie and mutual respect.

Gen Saraso added that he is highly honoured to have several Nigerian International Football stars taking part in the tournament. He said the international football stars include FC Nantes of France classic winger Simon Moses, Taiwo Awoniyi of Nottingham Forest (England), Chidera Ejike of Antwerp FC (Belgium),

Benjamin Fredrick of Brentford (England),
Abdulrazak Ishaq of Anderlecht (Belgium)
Suleiman Abdullahi of IFK Goteborg (Sweden)
Abubakar Abdullahi of Gent (Belgium)
Abduljelil Ajagun of Al- Hussein (Jordan)
Isiyaku Nayara of KF Shkumbini Peqin (Albania), along with other esteemed international football professionals from Kaduna and its environs. He described their presence and participation as a testament to the unifying power of football and the positive influence it can have on youths.

Gen Saraso further highlighted that the next three days, will be full of thrilling matches between United International Football Stars, Birnin Gwari United, Kachia/Kajuru United and the Green Berets (Nigerian Army Football Team) from Zaria. “This tournament is more than a competition; it is a celebration of peace, unity, and the spirit of sportsmanship”. He said.

The 3 days tournament continues today 9 June 2024 with Simoiben FC taking on Kachia United by 2:00pm while Green Beret FC will take on
Birnin Gwari United FC by 4:00pm. The tournament is expected to end on Sunday 9 June 2024 with the 3rd place and finals to be played between 2:00pm and 4:00pm respectfully.