Lavun United Fc win Wakilin Kwadagon Nupe Peace and Unity Cup
Lavun United Fc win Wakilin Kwadagon Nupe Peace and Unity Cup
By Abubakar Hassan
Lavun United FC of Kutigi on Friday evening emerged champions of the Lavun local government version of the Wakilin Kwadagon Nupe Peace and Unity Football Competition after defeating Eleven Stamina FC, also of Kutigi by 2–0 in the final match held in Kutigi town, the headquarter of the local government.
The grassroots tournament, which featured 15 teams from across the local government, was sponsored by the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Niger State chapter, Comrade Idrees Abdulkareem Lafene, who holds the traditional title of Wakilin Kwadagon Nupe, as part of efforts to promote peace, unity, and youth development through sports.
Speaking at the grand finale, the council Chairman of Lavun LG, Hon. Mohammed Alfa Ma’ali, described the competition as timely and in line with his administration’s top priority of engaging youths positively, barely three months after assuming office.
Hon. Ma’ali noted that football remains a powerful tool for bringing young people together, fostering unity, and reducing social vices.
He expressed satisfaction with the peaceful conduct of the tournament, adding that the final match was played in a free, fair, and friendly atmosphere, with a high level of sportsmanship.
The council chairman commended Comrade Lafene for sponsoring the competition, stressing that the initiative would go a long way in addressing youth-related challenges at the grassroots, and called for the sustenance of such tournaments on a seasonal basis to further strengthen peace and social cohesion in the local government.
Reaffirming his administration’s support for youth oriented programmes, Hon. Ma’ali disclosed that more engagement activities, including sports competitions and dialogue sessions, are already being planned to promote peaceful coexistence. He also hinted that discussions are ongoing to sponsor bigger and more competitive football tournaments in the near future.
Also speaking at the event, the District Head (Ezonuwa) of Kutigi, Alhaji Kudu Ibrahim, who was physically present at the final, commended the NLC chairman and all contributors for ensuring the successful organization of the championship, describing the competition as a positive development that aligns with traditional values of unity and peaceful coexistence.
Alhaji Kudu urged youths within his domain and beyond to remain law abiding and engage in meaningful activities that would improve their lives, such as football and other sporting activities of their choice, noting that sports can serve as a pathway to discipline, talent discovery, and personal development.
The final attracted a large crowd of football enthusiasts, traditional leaders, community members, and supporters, adding colour and excitement to what many described as a successful and impactful grassroots sports event.
Trophies, medals and other prizes were presented to teams and individual players who distinguished themselves during the tournament. Some of the dignitaries who witnessed the finals were also decorated with medals, including the labour union leader, Comrade Lafene, and the Chairman of Niger State Football Association (NSFA), Comrade Ahmed Yusuf Fresh for their contributions to football and youths development in the state.
