BY: FAIZA JIBRIN
In a significant move towards peacebuilding in Borno State, a football tournament was organized to foster unity between repentant Boko Haram members and youth from various communities.
The event, held at Ramat Square (Filin Sakuwa) was part of the Strengthening Youth Initiatives for Reintegration and Sustainable Peace Project, funded by the British Council and implemented by the Peace Ambassadors Centre for Humanitarian Aid (PACHE) and Empowerment in collaboration with the Borno State Government.
The tournament saw participation from communities such as Gwange, Baga Road, Gamboru, Dala, Kukawa, and Kaleri, with Kukawa emerging as the champion after defeating Kaleri 2-1 in the final match on Wednesday.
Key stakeholders and representatives from various ministries and agencies attended the event, commending the initiative as a crucial step towards fostering peace and reintegration.
Retired General Ishaq, Senior Adviser to Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, emphasized the importance of the initiative in promoting peace and reconciliation among the youth.
'These young men were unwillingly carried away by Boko Haram, but before that, they were good football players. Now that they are back, they have made significant efforts, which resulted in them winning the final,' he said.
Ambassador Ahmad Shehu, the founder of PACHE, highlighted the critical role of youth in shaping society and encouraged unity and social cohesion through such activities.
'There has been discrimination against these youth, but through this tournament, they have been able to interact and unite. We call on people to embrace peace and support the government in providing jobs for these young men to ensure lasting stability,' he said.
Participants, including Isah Zoo from Tsamiya United (Kukawa) and Bulus Usman from FC Mambo (Kaleri), shared their experiences, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to reintegrate into society.
'We were told that if we returned, we would not be accepted and might even be killed. But instead, we were welcomed and given all we needed. This tournament has allowed us to connect with different people from various communities,' Isah Zoo said.
Bulus Usman also praised the government's efforts in fostering peace through sports.
'We never thought peace would reunite us, but this game has brought us together. We now play side by side without fear or division. We commend the government and organizers for this wonderful event and hope to see more opportunities like this,' he said.
The tournament marks another step in Borno State's broader peacebuilding efforts, aimed at reintegrating former insurgents into the community while promoting social harmony through youth engagement.