By Shikmuut Bawa, Jos
The Vwang District of Jos South Local Government Area came alive with football, fellowship, and renewed hope as the second edition of the Peace and Unity Football Tournament reached a thrilling conclusion, reinforcing grassroots peacebuilding and youth empowerment in Plateau State.
The tournament, an initiative of the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Plateau State Governor, Dr. Gyang Bere, has continued to grow in stature, drawing together traditional rulers, community leaders, youths, sports administrators, government officials, and development stakeholders.
Held with the full backing of Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, the competition has been widely praised as a practical tool for fostering unity, discouraging social vices, and redirecting youthful energy towards productive and life-changing opportunities.
Speaking at the grand finale, Dr. Bere explained that the tournament was deliberately designed to serve as a bridge for peace among communities, particularly targeting young people who are often vulnerable to drug abuse and violence.
“This competition is about bringing our people together and giving our youths a positive platform to thrive. Sports remains one of the strongest tools for peace, discipline, and economic opportunity,” he said.
Dr. Bere disclosed that the initiative enjoys the personal encouragement and approval of Governor Mutfwang, whom he described as passionate about peace, youth development, and grassroots transformation.
According to him, the administration is also committed to reviving inter-school sports competitions, especially at the secondary school level, to rebuild the culture of talent discovery that once produced national and international stars from Plateau State.
Reflecting on the impact of the maiden edition, Dr. Bere revealed that several players identified during last year’s tournament are already playing professional football abroad.
“Some of the players from the first edition are currently playing in Egypt and Europe. This year’s competition will also open more doors for our young talents,” he added.
He expressed gratitude to traditional institutions, community leaders, referees, players, donors, media organisations, and his wife for their continued support, assuring that the 2026 edition would be bigger, better, and more impactful.
In his remarks, President of the Berom Education and Cultural Organisation (BECO), Da Gyang Dudu, described the tournament as a modest initiative that has grown into a community event with international prospects. He called for the construction of a standard football stadium with natural grass in Vwang District and announced that 2026 would be dedicated to a youth-focused cultural festival.
Also speaking, Chairman of Jos South Local Government Area, Hon. Silas Patrick Dung, praised the discipline and unity displayed by the youths, describing the competition as “Jos South’s own Africa Cup of Nations.”
He reaffirmed the council’s commitment to supporting peace-driven initiatives and appreciated residents for their resilience and unity following the January 1, 2026 terrorist attack that claimed nine lives.
Hon. Dung further announced plans to revive the Jos South Chairman’s Cup in 2026, featuring teams from all five districts.
At the end of the tournament, Turu United defeated Vwang Central to emerge champions, carting home ₦500,000, while the first and second runners-up received ₦300,000 and ₦200,000 respectively.
Stakeholders at the event described the tournament as a clear demonstration of how Governor Mutfwang’s peace agenda, complemented by Dr. Bere’s grassroots initiative, is reshaping youth engagement and strengthening unity across Plateau communities.
Several dignitaries, including the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Plateau State Council, Mrs. Ayuku Pwaspo, were honoured with medals for their support.
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