Stakeholders have highlighted sport’s role in promoting unity, peace and development, urging young people to embrace it as a pathway to nation-building.

They spoke on Monday at a mini-tournament marking the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, organised by Playing for Peace and Empowerment Initiative in Abuja.

Established by the UN General Assembly, the annual observance on April 6 promotes sport’s power to drive social change, community development, peace and mutual understanding.

Osamwonyi Omazuwa, the country director of PP&EI, described the initiative as a strategic platform for fostering national development through sport.

He urged young players to see sport beyond competition and accolades, noting its role in physical fitness, mental resilience and character development.

“What you are doing goes beyond competing for honours; you are building your body and strengthening your mind. On the field, you inculcate humane values that contribute to development and unity.

“On the field, ethnicity and religion fade; you see yourselves as team players, values essential for building our country,” Mr Omazuwa said.

He urged participants to see the bigger picture, stressing that sport helps bridge insecurity gaps and contributes to national development.

Chris Achem, the tournament’s team lead, said the initiative aimed to raise young players into ambassadors of peace through sport. He said the programme extended beyond football, offering mentorship, life skills and opportunities to support personal development.

“We encourage players to become peacemakers, using sport as a tool to transform their lives. We provide mentorship that builds personal growth and exposes them to opportunities,” Mr Achem said.

He said the initiative adopted a holistic approach, focusing on participants’ spiritual, mental and social development.

Mr Achem noted the tournament was an annual platform for identifying outstanding talents for professional teams and other life-changing opportunities.

Eight teams participated, with Jibril FC and Tribal FC contesting the final.

Jibril FC won 2–1, securing a cash prize of N40,000, while Tribal FC received N25,000 as runners-up. Young Planner FC finished third, earning N15,000 for their performance in the competition.

Anthony Pabo, captain of Jibril FC, said the team worked hard to secure victory.

Head coach Yusuf Abdullatif called for greater support for grassroots footballers, noting their potential for global recognition.

(NAN)