The Vwang Peace and Unity Football Tournament, sponsored by Dr. Gyang Bere, Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Executive Governor of Plateau State, came to a close in grand style on Saturday, with Wunato FA of Turu edging out Chugwi United 1-0 to lift the coveted trophy. The historic event attracted a diverse audience from across Plateau State and beyond.
The tournament, which featured 10 participating teams drawn from the four villages that make up Vwang District, was widely embraced as a friendly competition aimed at discovering young talents, fostering peace, and strengthening unity in the community.
The Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, represented by the Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Davou Jatau, lauded Dr. Gyang Bere for sponsoring the tournament.
He commended the people of Vwang District for embracing the initiative, which aligns with his administration’s vision of promoting peace, unity, and grassroots football development.
He emphasized his government’s commitment to sports development, citing the ongoing remodeling of Rwang Pam Township Stadium to provide a modern training ground for athletes. He encouraged other communities across the state to adopt similar initiatives to engage youths in meaningful activities.
The Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly and Chairman of the occasion, Rt. Hon. Gabriel Dewan, who performed the kick-off, noted that the tournament brought together youths, women, traditional and religious leaders to discuss peacebuilding and combat social vices such as drug abuse.
He urged appointees of Governor Mutfwang to remain connected with their communities and sustain the governor’s grassroots political philosophy for long-term development. He praised Dr. Gyang Bere for his commitment to community development and encouraged him to continue such impactful initiatives.
Expressing excitement over the tournament’s success, Dr. Gyang Bere reiterated that the initiative was designed to promote peace, foster unity, and discover new football talents, while also launching a campaign against drug abuse and social vices.
He remarked: “This tournament has not just been about competition; it has been a platform for fostering peace, strengthening communal ties, and creating opportunities for our young athletes.
“Football, as we all know, is more than just a game, it is a unifying force that brings people together, irrespective of background, tribe, or status.”
He congratulated all participating teams, especially Wunato FA of Turu, for emerging champions and assured them of his continued support in their football careers. He also appreciated the Organizing Committee for a well-coordinated event and affirmed that the tournament would become an annual event for the benefit of all.
The Chairman of Jos South Local Government Council, Hon. Silas Patrick Dung, and the Chairman of Plateau State Football Association, Hon. Dr. Suleiman Yahaya Kwande, expressed their delight at the tournament’s success. They encouraged the players to balance their academics with football for a promising future.
Beyond the top three teams that received awards, all participating teams received cash donations from the tournament sponsor, reflecting the core objective of promoting peace, unity, and youth empowerment.
