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*Plateau State Speaker, Naanlong Daniel Backs Sports for Unity, Unveils Unity Sports Festival Plan*
The Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Naanlong Gapyil Daniel, has reaffirmed his commitment to using sports to promote unity, youth engagement and cooperation across political divides in Plateau State.
Daniel, who represents Mikang Constituency, made the remarks at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Governor’s Cup clash between Mikang Local Government Area and Langtang South, held in Mikang.
The Speaker said football and other sporting activities could serve as powerful platforms for bringing people from different political and social backgrounds together while creating opportunities for young people.
“I appreciate all your efforts. I believe this is the beginning of bringing us together to work collectively, irrespective of our political platforms,” Daniel said.
“For me, it is not just about the political party; it is about the people coming together to work. It is about unity and harmony, irrespective of political differences.”
Daniel disclosed that further sports initiatives were already in the pipeline, with consultations ongoing among key stakeholders to ensure their successful implementation.
“Trust me, we are putting the necessary resources together, and we are meeting with the major key players who will ensure that everything is properly organised,” he said.
Describing football as one of the sports closest to his heart, the Plateau Assembly Speaker said he had continued to support initiatives aimed at encouraging participation in sports, particularly among young people.
“For me, football has always been one of the most beautiful games, and it is a sport I love. I have always given my support, in one way or another, to encourage people to participate in sports,” he said.
Rt Hon. Daniel, however, stressed that his vision for sports development goes beyond football, pointing to basketball and volleyball as other disciplines that would receive attention.
“But beyond football, my chairman and I will sit down and look at other areas of sports that we can support and encourage, including volleyball and basketball. Of course, football will remain a major driving point,” he added.
The Speaker also unveiled plans for a Unity Sports Festival, which he said would further provide a platform for people to come together and strengthen relationships through sports.
“By the grace of God, we are going to work collectively as a group and speak with one voice. We are also looking towards organising a Unity Sports Festival,” Daniel said.
He assured sports stakeholders that they would be carried along as preparations for the proposed festival progress, adding that participants would be invited to play active roles in the initiative.
Daniel maintained that sports should continue to serve as a bridge across political and social differences, with unity and collective action at the centre of efforts to develop sports and expand opportunities for young people in Plateau State.
