By CHRISTY ZI
Gyel A Ward has emerged champions of the Jos South Chairman’s Cup trophy after defeating Du A Ward in a keenly contested final played recently at the Bukuru Mini Stadium in Jos South Local Government Area.
The victory sparked jubilant celebrations among supporters as Gyel A lifted the championship trophy before a large crowd of football enthusiasts and dignitaries.
For the hundreds of spectators who gathered from across Plateau State, the match was more than a football contest.
It was a demonstration of unity, as ethnic, religious and political differences gave way to the shared spirit of sport.
The Chairman of Jos South Local Government Area and Deputy Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Hon. Silas Dung, explained that the tournament had proven that football remains a powerful tool for promoting peace and unity.
“This championship was designed to remind us that we are one people. The turnout today shows that peace and unity still matter to our communities. When the whistle blows, we stop seeing Fulani, Berom, Christian, Muslim, APC, or PDP. We see Plateau,” he said.
The week-long competition featured teams from all 11 wards in Jos South Local Government Area and attracted fans from several local government councils across Plateau State.
Organisers said the objective of the tournament was to use football as a platform for rebuilding trust, encouraging dialogue and strengthening relationships among communities affected by years of tension.
Outstanding individual performances were also recognised during the tournament.
Tis David of Gyel A Ward was named the Most Valuable Player, while his teammate, Jerry Choji, emerged as the highest goal scorer.
Bonshak Joshua, also of Gyel A Ward, won the Best Goalkeeper Award.
Zawan B Ward was recognised as the Best Behaved Team in acknowledgement of its discipline and sportsmanship throughout the competition.
Awards were also presented to Coach Bitrus Bewarang and Hon. Peter Vwangdung in recognition of their long-standing contributions to grassroots football development in Plateau State.
The final attracted several high-profile personalities, including Plateau State Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Davou Jatau; Chairman of Mikang Local Government Area, Dr Bernard Alkali; Chairman of Jos North Local Government Area, Barr. J.K. Chris; and Hon. Bature Shuwa of Riyom.
Others in attendance were former Minority Leader and APC candidate for Plateau North Senatorial District, Senator Simon Mwadkon; General Manager of PRTV, Kachollom Pam; and General Manager of the Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB), Arch. Hart Bankat, among others.
Organisers expressed satisfaction with the success of the competition and reiterated their commitment to promoting peace through sports.
“This is the kind of Plateau we want to build, where our young people compete on the field and not in conflict,” one of the organisers said.