Military Promotes Peace Through Sports with 17km Inter-Tribal Race in Plateau
In a renewed effort to consolidate peace in Plateau State, the Nigerian military has leveraged sports as a unifying tool by hosting the inaugural Peace and Unity Inter-Tribal 17-kilometre race in Mangu Local Government Area.
The event was organised by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and Commander of Operation Enduring Peace (COPEP), Major General Folusho Oyinlola, as part of ongoing non-kinetic strategies aimed at addressing insecurity, promoting social cohesion, and strengthening civil-military relations in the region.
The race attracted youths from various ethnic groups across Mangu, transforming the area into a symbol of unity and athletic camaraderie rather than conflict.
Speaking at the event, Major General Oyinlola described sports as a universal language capable of bridging ethnic, religious, and social divides. He noted that the initiative reflects the military’s commitment to sustainable peacebuilding across the Joint Operations Area, urging participants to embrace values such as teamwork, discipline, and mutual respect.
Highlighting the spirit of the event, an 11-year-old participant successfully completed the 17km race, symbolising resilience and hope among young people. In recognition of this feat, the Liaison Director on Security to the Plateau State Governor, Hon. Ziphion Chrysanthus Terkop, announced full secondary school scholarships and cash rewards of ₦100,000 each for the two youngest participants, aged 11 and 13.
Winners of the race were also rewarded, with cash prizes of ₦200,000, ₦150,000, and ₦100,000 presented to first, second, and third-place finishers respectively in both male and female categories. Additional consolation prizes were given to participants who placed fourth to tenth, as well as to the oldest participant.
Beyond the sporting event, the military extended support to the local community by distributing fertilizers to farmers ahead of the planting season, aimed at boosting food security and agricultural productivity.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Mangu Local Government Area, Hon. Bala Mwolpun, commended the military for restoring stability to the area, which was previously affected by conflict. He pledged to sustain the gains achieved and appealed for continued military presence to protect farmers during the farming season.
Earlier, the Commander of Sector 8, Operation Enduring Peace, and Commanding Officer of CIB XII, Lieutenant Colonel Ofem John Ofem, stated that the initiative was designed to go beyond physical endurance, serving as a platform to foster unity and rebuild trust among communities.
As part of the activities, Major General Oyinlola also commissioned a newly constructed office block for the Chief of Army Staff Intervention Battalion XII in Mangu. The facility, which includes offices, an operations centre, and a medical outpost, is expected to enhance the operational capacity and responsiveness of troops deployed in the area.
The initiative underscores the military’s broader approach to peacebuilding by combining security efforts with community engagement to ensure lasting stability in Plateau State.
