Scoring for Peace: Cardinal Onaiyekan Foundation unites Abuja communities through football
In a bid to promote peace and unity among diverse communities in Abuja, the Cardinal Onaiyekan Foundation for Peace (COFP) recently concluded a peace project titled “Advancing Community Peace through Sports” in Sabongari and Tudun Fulani, Bwari Area Council, FCT Abuja.
The project, which kicked off on February 4, 2025, brought together adolescent children from different faiths and languages to promote peace and understanding. The children engaged with community and religious leaders to emphasize the importance of sustaining peace in the area.
A football competition was organized as part of the project, with teams comprising children from different backgrounds. The final match was played on February 7, 2025, with the Blazing Stars of Yellow team emerging victorious.
Dignitaries at the event, including the Principal of UBEB Junior Secondary School, Tudun Fulani, Mr. Oyekannu Isaac, and the convener, Dr. Anyanwu, Christiantus Izuchukwu, emphasized the need for community peace.
The COFP representative, Rev. Sr. Denisia Ijeoma Okonkwo, and Mr. Tope Bello urged attendees to prioritize humanity over religion and ethnicity.
Community leaders, including the Chief of Fulani Community, Aminu Adamu, and the Sariki of Hausa, Muhammed Isa, pledged to sustain the peace in the community.
The convener called for sponsorship to sustain the peace project, citing the need for similar interventions in other communities.
The event ended with the presentation of trophies and cash prizes to the winning teams and individual players.
