Shendam Local Government Area has clinched the trophy at the 5th edition of the Peace, Unity and Scouting Football Tournament organized by Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH), held on July 26, 2025, in Jos, Plateau State.
The annual tournament, hosted by the Special Task Force, is designed to foster peace, unity, and youth development across the OPSH Joint Operations Area, bringing together communities of diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds through sports.
This year’s final match saw Shendam LGA defeat Barkin Ladi LGA in a dramatic penalty shootout, while Bassa LGA claimed third place after overcoming Sanga LGA of Southern Kaduna in an earlier encounter.
Delivering his keynote address, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander of OPSH, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, represented by Brigadier General MO Agi, described the tournament as a vital platform for promoting social cohesion and harmony.
“The football tournament is more than a game; it is a symbol of unity among our people. It brings different groups together, encouraging understanding and peaceful coexistence,” he said, while pledging OPSH’s continued support for such initiatives.
Major General Oyinlola further emphasized that the tournament will remain a platform for identifying future sports talents and engaging youths positively, steering them away from crime and violence.
The Special Guest of Honour, His Royal Majesty Johnson Pozoh Magaji, the Ujah of Anaguta, lauded the military’s efforts in strengthening civil-military cooperation through sports. He urged citizens to continue supporting security agencies in their peacebuilding efforts.
Chief Kefas Wungak Ropshik also commended the players for their dedication and discipline throughout the tournament. He pledged financial support to help nurture their talents, saying, “Anything that will engage the youth and keep them away from crime, I am involved.”
The Executive Chairman of Bassa LGA, Hon. Dr. Joshua Riti, praised the tournament for uniting communities and promoting peace. “There is no winner, there is no loser. We will all go on from this tournament,” he said. “I pray for all the players to find greater opportunities at national and international levels.”
The tournament drew dignitaries, community leaders, youth groups, and sports lovers from within and outside Plateau State, who came together to celebrate the spirit of unity and togetherness.
Medals and cash prizes were presented to the winning teams, with applause for the players, coaches, and organizers who made the event a success.
As the tournament came to a close, OPSH reaffirmed its commitment to using non-kinetic approaches like sports to build bridges across communities and promote lasting peace in Plateau and beyond.
