The Commander of Operation Safe Haven and the General Officer Commanding 3 Armoured Division Maxwell Cantonment Rukuba Plateau State, Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Ali has reiterated the commitment of the security outfit to use sports to enhance civil-military relations which in turn will foster unity and harmonious living across its Joint Operation Area.
He hinted that sports remain a veritable tools and one of the non-kinetic approaches of the outfit towards conflict resolution, building greater unity, peace and trust among the people.

He made these statements at the finals of the Chief of Staff Peace and Unity Marathon/Football Competition which held at the Rwang Pam Township Stadium Jos, the Plateau State Capital.

He disclosed that sports play vital role in the unity of the society hence the need for the event considering the security challenges being experienced last Year.

He said the security outfit will continue to deploy strategies that will enhance unity and foster peaceful coexistence.

He charged the people to embrace tolerance, forgiveness, eschew bitterness and give peace a chance saying “No meaningful development can be achieved in an atmosphere of rancour, distrust and insecurity”

While saying the security will do its best to confront insecurity, he called on the citizens to give security agencies the needed cooperation to tackle insecurity.

Chief of Defence Staff General Lucky Irabor who was represented by Naval Commodore Patrick Yekwe commended the teams for their resilience and charged the citizens to accord them support as they work toward ensuring a united, secured, safer and prosperous Nation is achieved.

Prof. Danladi Atu who represented the Executive Governor of Plateau State lauded the initiative and the efforts by the Operation Safe Haven in restoring peace in the State saying the State Government will continue to do its best to ensuring lasting peace is attained.

Highlight of the event was the presentation of trophies, medals, cash to winners/participants as well as awards.
There were also cultural dances and performances by Artistes.

Vera Yohanna won the Female Marathon while Adamu Shehu Muazu the male Marathon and were all given cheques of N300,000 each. First and second runner ups got N200,000 and N150,000 respectively.

The Football competition was won by the Barkin Ladi Boys went home with a trophy and cheque of N700,000 after defeating Riyom Boys 2 Nil.
Riyom Boys the first runner up got a trophy and cheque of N500,000.

Shendam Boys who were the 2nd Runner up got a trophy and cheque of N300,000 while Zango Kataf Boys who emerged fourth got a cheque of N200,000.

The Member representing Barkin Ladi/Riyom Federal Constituency, Dr. Simon Mwadkwon and the Executive Chairman of Kanke LGC, Hon. Henry Gotip were awarded as Peace Ambassadors for the Operation Safe Haven Peace and Unity Football Tournament.

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“Through Sports, We’ll Enhance Robust Civil-Military Relations that Will Foster Peaceful coexistence” – OPSH Commander, Maj. Gen. IS Ali