By Ezekiel Dontinna
It is certain to sieve out of the fact that, what looks obvious in hindsight is not at all obvious at some point to many who understand nothing about dealing with emotional issues, especially where sensitive and traumatic situation lines were once drawn.
One can take from the ugly experiences of the past on the Plateau which cannot be forgotten in a hurry, especially the reported series of carnage carried out by enemies of peace in communities and its ripple effects.
This, no doubt, had affected the emotions and thoughts of the once peace loving youth, denying them privileges of achieving their dream years back for the fear of the unknown.
However, it takes collectively positive minds or a focused leader to diversify, reminiscing on that which was the closest bond of unity among youth like football, that could easily build peaceful coexistence across communities.
As small as that idea may appear to those who thought it is just a hill of beans and it doesn’t matter much, the distant driving force behind the step is awesomely more than the imported ‘medical syrups’ that understands little about where to start the healing.
And so, what at first started like the usual friendly match, later turned out to be like an uncontrollable dense fog, when the Initiator and Sponsor of 2024–2025 Vwang Peace and Unity Football Tournament, Dr Gyang Bere, ticked off the competition.
Gyang, who is the Director of Press and Public Affairs (DOPPA) to Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, of Plateau State, might have had sleepless nights thinking of what could bring back the old good, busy and peaceful days of Vwang youth.
As precious as peaceful coexistence is to this gentleman, the need for uniting not only his immediate community, but the entire state as always preach by his Principal, through sports came up, believed charity begins at home and he decided to start the gospel within his immediate community.
Yes, there is no denying the fact, the most critical and sensitive unifying platform is no other than sports. This, has proven itself at different fields of researches and has glaringly been seen the world over.
Sports had also broken the tick barriers that existed long before now and has convincingly connected different races through football, basketball, volleyball and other sporting activities.
However, it was quite a thrilling experience at the Vwang General Football Field Saturday November 28, 2024, when Munato FC and Vwang Central FC clashed in an Opening Ceremony, kicked off by DOPPA, Gyang Bere, PhD amidst cheers.
Truly, it was hope rekindled as this field was filled to brim with dignitaries, especially the FIFA Agents and a team from Plateau Football Association (PFA) led by Hon. Dr. Suleiman Kwande, and other respected Stakeholders as well as supporters, who came in to cheer and witness the match.
Shortly after the kickoff by the Sponsor, who interestingly engaged his wife, Mrs Gyang, in a ball pass complemented his effort by donating complete jerseys and first grade football sets to over ten participating team which will continue till the February 10, 2025.
Speaking at the opening match, the Gwom Rwey of Vwang District, HRH Gyang Balak, who could not hide his joy thanked the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, for appointing Dr Gyang Bere, a respectful, humble gentleman.
“The Governor, I want to say you have not made a mistake by appointing this gentleman. He is somebody that is well known, is loved in this District, and we will continue to love you.
“We have seen what you have done, and we have seen what your Director of Press is doing here in Vwang District. And I believe he will extend this to other areas. He is taking care of all of us.
“I want to say it in terms of more sincerity. This competition that he have brought to us will bring unity, make our children not to get themselves into social vices and also make some of our boys here to be recruited in the most important teams that we have on the Plateau and Nigeria as a whole”, he prayed.
On his part, the Chairman, Plateau Football Association (PFA), Hon. Suleiman Kwande, commended the DOPPA for this great initiative and encourage people to do the same saying, “Football is a sport that unites everybody. Football is a sport that people make a living out of it.
“We know Ahmed Musa, who is from Jos, Sam Pam, Sam Choji, and a lot of people who gone high in football, and by God’s grace, I know we’re going to get more Chojis, Ahmed Musas etc. in this field”, he expressed optimism.
Kwande, disclosed that, the best player in the Governor’s Cup was from the Jos South Local Government Area because he had scored four goals assuring that, the Plateau United was going forward with his name among the four players that have gone for the National order.
Earlier, the Chairman Planning Committee of the Tournament, Da Joseph Gyang, expressed gratitude to the Sponsor of this peace tournament for bringing all young boys from all communities in Vwang District, and also appreciated the PFA Chairman, Hon. Kwande for availing himself to be part of this tournament.
“I want to appreciate DOPPA and all those who supported in one way of the order to make this happen.We pray that wherever you have remove to do this, God will replace it back”, he prayed.
Meanwhile, the Sponsor of the Peace and Tournament, Dr Gyang Bere, noted that the event was not just a competition among hamlets and electoral wards of Vwang District, but a Peace and Unity Tournament designed to bring them closer as a community to nurture the abundant talents of Vwang District youth.
“Vwang District is blessed with a vibrant and talented youthful population. This tournament is a deliberate step to harness these talents, promote unity, and empower our youth with opportunities that prepare them for greatness.
“Beyond football, this tournament embodies a greater purpose. It is a tool for fostering peace, unity, and harmony within our community.
“These values are central to His Excellency Governor Mutfwang’s vision for Plateau State. By promoting collaboration among our youth, we aim to instill a sense of purpose and lay a foundation for a brighter future.
“Moreover, this event serves as a platform to educate participants and community members on critical societal issues such as the dangers of drug abuse. It is a call to action for our youth to pursue productive and meaningful ventures that contribute to the betterment of society”, he emphasized.
Bere, therefore, thanked Governor Caleb Mutfwang, describing him as his father, mentor and boss stressing that, the tournament sought to instill values of selflessness, charity and unity among the people of Vwang believing that, these virtues were essential for building a cohesive and progressive community.
The DOPPA, moreover, disclosed that the primary aim of this initiative was to also uncover and nurture footballing talents within their community, because many of their youths possessed exceptional abilities but lacked the platforms and mentorship to showcase their skills beyond the District.
“Today, we take a bold step toward bridging that gap by providing a stage where their potential can shine and their dreams can be realized.This initiative, which I am privileged to sponsor, has been made possible through the unwavering support of this serene and dynamic community”, Gyang noted.
The tournament has in attendance, FIFA Agents, Scouts, Coaches, Team Managers, and Officials from prominent football clubs both within and outside Plateau State, the Plateau Football Association (PFA), led by its indefatigable Chairman, Hon. Dr. Suleiman Yahaya Kwande respectively.
It is our prayers that at the end of this tournament which climaxed on Friday January 10, 2025 with the finals will further strengthen the bond of unity of communities and deserving team not only be presented with trophies, but will be picked to play nationally and internationally.
Streetbell Online 