By Linus Aleke
The Armed Force of Nigeria (AFN) has tasked peace-loving citizens to unite against the enemies of peace in the society, so as to defeat the multiple security challenges tearing the country apart.
The military leadership also said that exposing bad eggs in society is the surest way to achieve peace.
The Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major General Ibrahim Ali said this while welcoming guests and participants at the Grand Finale of the Chief of Defence Staff Peace and Unity Marathon and Football Competition organized by Operation SAFE HAVEN in Jos.
While urging the youths to distance themselves from activities that will destroy their future, Major General Ali assured that the competition would enhance robust civil/military relations of the command.
The Commander encouraged the athletes to make good use of the opportunity provided by the competition to discover and develop their potentials towards becoming better persons in society.
General Ali called on community and religious leaders to champion the course of peace in their various domains.
Military Information Officer OPSH, Major Ishaku Takwa in a statement said the Governor of Plateau State, Rt Hon Simon Bako Lalong commended Operation SAFE HAVEN for uniting youths of diverse backgrounds in its area of operation.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of Plateau State, Prof Danladi Attu, Governor Lalong noted that bringing the youths together from 24 local government areas of Plateau, Bauchi and Kaduna states is a novel idea towards promoting unity, friendship and teamwork.
He maintained that the competition was an indication that sporting activities could be used to unite the youths and take them out of crime.
Governor Lalong further lauded the pragmatic approach of Operation SAFE HAVEN in deploying non-kinetic means to solving communal crises in its area of operation.
He urged the participants to be agents of peace in their respective domains in order to consolidate on the efforts of the security agencies in securing citizens’ lives and property.
In their separate goodwill messages, the Governors of Kaduna and Bauchi states represented by the Commissioner (Administration) Kafanchan Municipal, Hon Phoebe Sukai Yayi and Special Adviser to Bauchi State Governor on Security, Brigadier General MJ Yake (Rtd) said the competition was capable of fostering unity and bringing permanent peace to the nation if emulated by both private and public institutions.
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They commended Operation SAFE HAVEN for its commitment to national security and congratulated the youths for participating in the competition.
They also urged the participants to consider a career in sports that could bring glory to the country.
“Highlight of the event were the presentation of trophies, medals and cash prizes to the champions, second, third and fourth positions of the football tournament as well as winners of the boys and girls categories of the marathon competition. Consolation prizes were also presented to physically challenged, oldest and youngest competitors of the tournament,” the statement concluded.
