Sabon Gari Local Government Area of Kaduna State has emerged champions of the 2025 Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen. Christopher Musa’s Peace and Unity Cup.
In Sunday’s final, Sabon Gari edged out Zangon Kataf LGA 1–0 to lift the trophy.
CDS Gen. Musa, speaking after the match, praised the players for their sportsmanship and highlighted football’s role in fostering peace and unity across communities.
Musa explained that peace and unity bring together communities to promote understanding and peaceful coexistence.
He added that the tournament aimed to promote a non-kinetic method for restoring peace and unity in Kaduna and Nigeria as a whole.
According to the CDS, this in support of government efforts in addressing the recurring security challenges and fostering a culture of peace throughout the country.
“Football has a unique ability to transcend cultural, linguistic, and geographical divides, bringing people together in a shared passion for the game.
“It can foster unity and peace by promoting teamwork, mutual respect, and understanding among players and fans from different backgrounds.
“Through football, individuals and communities can build bridges and break down barriers, celebrating their differences while working towards a common goal.
“The sport has the power to inspire collective joy, empathy, and cooperation, making it a valuable tool for promoting peace and unity in diverse societies.
“Let use football games to send message of peace because peace and unity are the only things that will bring progress to Nigeria now in our present situation,” Musa said
He congratulated Sabon Gari LGA on their victory and all other LGAs for their commitment and sprit of sportsmanship.
Speaking at the epochal event, Gov. Uba Sani, represented by the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Abubakar Buba, reaffirmed his commitment to fostering unity, peace, and development.
Sani emphasised the importance of collective efforts in achieving progress for the state, urging prayers for divine wisdom, strength, and guidance in his leadership.
Also, the Executive Chairman of the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service, Mr Jerry Adams, commended the CDS for organising the peace and unity cup, saying that sports can bridge gaps and foster unity among communities.
Adams expressed hope that the tournament would inspire more initiatives promoting peace and development in Kaduna State.
He emphasised the importance of peaceful coexistence in facilitating economic growth and development.
The executive chairman said that a stable and united community was more likely to meet its tax obligations, thereby contributing to the state’s revenue and development.
Adams further highlighted the role of tax revenue in supporting initiatives like the peace and unity cup, which promotes social cohesion and development in the state.
He encouraged taxpayers to continue fulfilling their obligations, assuring that their contributions would be used to improve the lives of Kaduna State residents.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the competition concluded with the presentation of cash prizes and medals of different categories to players who distinguished themselves in the competition.
