The General Officer Commanding 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH), Major General AE Abubakar has urged youths on the Plateau to prioritize productive ventures rather than engaging in activities inimical to the development of the society. The commander made the call today 12 May 2024, during the final football match of the annual Operation SAFE HAVEN Football Youth Tournament, at Rwang Pam Township Stadium Jos, Plateau State.

Represented by the Chief of Staff OPSH, Brigadier General MO Agi, the Commander noted that the tournament was a noble initiative of OPSH aimed at driving the peace building process in the state. He called for harmonious living among people of different background and urged the youths to take the lead in ensuring peaceful co-existence for meaningful development of the country. 

Major General Abubakar also commended the community leaders across OPSH Joint Operations Area (JOA) for championing the peace process that has paved the way for harmonious living in their domains. He urged the people to be ambassadors of peace and cautioned the youths not to allow themselves to be used for nefarious activities that would affect their future. 

While urging the general public to support Operation SAFE HAVEN by providing useful information on activities of non-state actors, the commander encouraged the footballers to make good use of the opportunity provided by the tournament to discover and develop their potential towards becoming better persons in the society. 

In their separate goodwill messages, the Transition Implementation Chairman, Wase Local Government Area, Hon Hamisu Anani Mohammed and the Uja Anaguta, HRM Johnson Jauro Magaji, noted that the football tournament provided avenue to search for talented youths who could bring glory to the country. They reiterated the commitment of the local councils and the traditional institution to continually interact with security agencies to achieve the desired peace on the Plateau and beyond. They further added, that the initiative should be commended by all and sustained even after permanent peace is achieved across OPSH JOA.

Earlier in his remarks, the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, represented by the Commander 551 Nigerian Air Force Station Jos, Air Cdre BR Amuda, stated that the football tournament has provided youths across religious and ethnic lines the opportunity to interact regardless of their differences. The governor maintained that the aim of the tournament must be achieved, thereby promoting the peace agenda of the state government.

The final match of the tournament was played between Tafawa Balewa LGA of Bauchi State and Jos South LGA Plateau State, with Jos South LGA winning the match in a keenly contested encounter.

Climax of the event includes the third place match, final match, presentation of medals, and presentation of awards to deserving individuals who have continued to advocate for peace within OPSH JOA.

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Gen. Abubakar Charges Youths to Engage in Productive Ventures, Present Trophy to Winner of Operation Safe Haven Football Tournament