The Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) and General Officer Commanding 3 Division Nigerian Army (NA), Major General AE Abubakar, has advised youth across its Joint Operation Area of Plateau, Bauchi and Kaduna States to prioritise unity whenever decisions are taken. The Commander made the remark today 14 October 2023, during the final match of the Operation SAFE HAVEN Peace and Unity Football Tournament held at Rwang Pam township stadium, Jos.

Represented by the Chief of Staff Operation SAFE HAVEN, Brigadier General AA Egbejule, the commander noted that the tournament was a worthy initiative aimed at driving the peace building process and promote grassroots sports development within OPSH JOA. He called for harmonious living among people of different backgrounds and urged the youth to take the lead in ensuring peaceful coexistence for meaningful development of the States.

General Abubakar urged people present at the event to be ambassadors of peace and warned the youth against activities that could threaten the peace of their respective communities. He also cautioned the youth not to allow themselves to be used for nefarious activities that could affect their future.

While urging the general public to support Operation SAFE HAVEN by providing credible information on activities of criminals to security agencies, the commander encouraged the footballers to make good use of the opportunity provided by the tournament to develop their potential towards becoming better players in the game of football.

Earlier in his remarks, the Coordinator of the tournament, Mr Victor Datur, noted that the football tournament provided an avenue to search for talented youth who could bring glory to the States and the country at large. He further disclosed that the tournament has achieved its objective of uniting youth from different ethnic and religious backgrounds.

The Kanke Lions FC of Kanke local government area of Plateau State defeated Jema’a LGA of Kaduna State to win the tournament. While Sanga LGA came third after defeating Tafawa Balewa LGA in an interesting match played earlier in the day.

Some of the dignitaries present at the event include; the chairman Kanke LGA transition committee, Honorable Shikur Caleb, Minority Whip Plateau State House of Assembly, Honorable Dewan Edward. Others are chairman Plateau State Football Association, Honorable Tigana Audu Yakal, councilors of Kanke and Sanga LGAs, religious and community leaders amongst others.

Highlights of the event are presentation of medals, cash donation to first, second, third positions and individuals who distinguished themselves during the tournament and group photographs.

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Commander Operation Safe Haven Charges Plateau Youths, Others to Prioritize Unity