Winners Emerge at Plateau State Scrabble Tournament in Pankshin Honouring Grand Patron Colonel Gulong at 63

At the end of electrifying and thrilling competitions involving thirty (30) players, winners have emerged from the Scrabble tournament organized by the Plateau State Scrabble Association in honour of its Grand Patron, Colonel Samuel Fwangje Gulong (Rtd), who recently turned 63.

The two-day event, which held from Friday 27th June to Saturday, 28th June 2025 at the Ngasland Library, Pankshin Local Government Headquarters, also featured the official inauguration of the Pankshin Zonal Representative Members, led by John Mwandi.

Veterans battled through seven (7) rounds, while Divisions A and B competed in ten (10) intense rounds across the two-day birthday retreat.

Chairman of the Plateau State Scrabble Association and Chairman of the Retreat Committee, Mohammed Abbas, in his welcome remarks, expressed appreciation to members for their unwavering support and dedication to growing the game. He particularly commended Colonel Gulong for his consistent moral and financial support, which contributed significantly to the success of the retreat. He also outlined plans to make Scrabble more attractive, rewarding, and widely accepted.

In a goodwill message, Veteran player Hon. Benedict Shignuhul praised the success of the event and congratulated winners, urging them to remain humble in victory. He advocated for inter-state tournaments and congratulated both the celebrant and the newly inaugurated Pankshin officials, expressing optimism that other Local Government Areas in the Plateau Central Zone would emulate the structure.

John Mwandi, newly inaugurated leader of the Pankshin Branch of the Scrabble Association, expressed gratitude for the successful retreat. He described Scrabble as an intellectually enriching game that enhances reasoning, calculation, and critical thinking. “Scrabble is a unifying sport,” he said, “and with this momentum in my zone, our goal is to elevate the game beyond Pankshin.” He revealed plans to introduce the game in primary schools to train young pupils and develop their problem-solving skills.

Former Executive Chairman of Pankshin LGA, Hon. Audu Kakmena, who made a special appearance, applauded the event and commended the Association for expanding its reach through the inauguration of the Pankshin Branch. He described Scrabble as a mental sport that fosters critical thinking and personal development.

The celebrant, Chief Colonel Samuel Fwangje Gulong (Rtd), visibly elated, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Association for honouring him with the tournament. He stated that the tournament’s objectives were being met, and the establishment of the Pankshin Branch would further promote the game in the zone. He thanked members from the Jos Branch for their massive turnout and active participation and encouraged other LGAs in Plateau Central to follow suit.

A representative of the Director of Sports, Gyang Matta Malone Plateau State, described the tournament as historic and impactful. “Scrabble is a battle of words on the board,” he noted, while commending the organizers for a well-coordinated event.

The competition showcased the brilliance, strategy, word mastery, and occasional luck of the players. Highlights included the presentation of a commemorative birthday booklet containing encomiums from participants, a specially scripted birthday card and portrait to the celebrant, and cash rewards to outstanding players.

The event concluded on a celebratory note with a lively entertainment session at B3P2 Hotel Pankshin, rounding off a memorable and impactful retreat.