PEACECORE project, Taraba Govt., host landmark sports event to commemorate Int’l Youth Day celebration
Daniel Mtindiga Jalingo.
The PEACECORE project in partnership with the Government of Taraba State through Bureau for Peace and Conflict Management, hosted a landmark Sports Development event in Jalingo, the Taraba State Capital to commemorate the International Youth Day celebration.
The event which aimed at promoting unity and strengthening peaceful coexistence among the diverse cultures in the Taraba State, brought together young people, students, community leaders, government functionaries, People With Disabilities (PWDs), and peace builders to promote unity, resilience, and social cohesion through sports.
Speaking during the event, the Technical Advisor with the project, Mr Fumu Bello, stated that, the event was designed to bring communities/individuals together through sports, giving the place of sports in promoting dialogue, peace, and teamwork.
“Sports naturally unite people beyond differences of ethnicity, religion, and background. With PEACECORE, we are using that same spirit to strengthen capacities for conflict transformation and build a culture of peace across Taraba State.
“Implemented by GIZ with funding support from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the European Union (EU), and in partnership with the Taraba State Bureau for Peace and Conflict Management, the initiative leverages sports as a powerful tool for dialogue, teamwork, and conflict transformation.
“The PEACECORE project (Strengthening Capacities for Conflict Transformation and Livelihood) works to build resilient communities in conflict-affected areas of Nigeria. The project supports state institutions, civil society, and local actors to prevent violence, promote dialogue, and create livelihood opportunities for vulnerable groups. By combining peacebuilding with economic empowerment, PEACECORE addresses both the causes and consequences of conflict, fostering sustainable peace and inclusive development, “he noted.
He however, called on participants to be peace Ambassadors in their respective communities, building peace and strengthening unity at all times.
Earlier in his remarks Mr.Shadrach Gani who represented the Taraba State Chairman of Bureau for Peace and Conflict Management Bishop Innocent Solomon, commended GIZ and other collaborating Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) for their tireless efforts in building peace and strengthening unity not just in Taraba communities but Nigeria at large.
He further called on participants to embrace the lessons of the event and live it in their various communities.
Barde Omega and Chidinma who spoke on behalf of the participants, lauded the organizers of the event and facilitators for availing them with the privilege to come together through sports and learn to initiate and promote peace, unity, teamwork and dialogue in their communities beyond even as they anticipate more of such programs.
The event which featured friendly matches, interactive peace messages, cultural displays and community engagement activities, reinforced PEACECORE’s commitment to sustainable peace and inclusive development across Nigeria’s North-Central and North-East regions.
