By Rahima Dokaji
In observing the 2017 International Peace Day on September 24th, ActionAid Nigeria with support from the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF) organized a football competition to promote social harmony and diversity among Kano youths.
The event as part of the Serve 3 Project aims to unite young people from diverse communities to use the global language of football to build unity and understanding.
Aliyu Adamu, Programme Coordinator for the Serve 3 Project, highlighted the significance of the event:
“We are here today to celebrate International Peace Day by organizing football competitions among youths across various communities. Football unites Nigerians, and such competitions are held worldwide to promote peace, unity, understanding, and coexistence.”
Suwaiba Muhammad Dan Kabo, Deputy Country Director and Director of Programs and Policies at ActionAid Nigeria, underscored the importance of football in peacebuilding.
“Football is cherished in Nigeria and globally. Celebrating International Peace Day through football connects young people from different communities, promoting sportsmanship and peaceful coexistence. This event demonstrates that peace is essential for community activities and relationships. It also serves as psychological training for youths aspiring to pursue football as a career.” She highlights.
Dr. Mustapha Muhammad Yahaya, Executive Director of the Dispute Resolution and Development Initiative (formerly DAG Kano), emphasized the project’s role in reducing violent extremism.
“This match is part of our efforts to reduce violent extremism in Kano. By bringing together communities like Gwale and Dorayi, which sometimes experience conflicts, we aim to foster peace and understanding. Today, we see them sitting together and enjoying the game, which is a significant step towards peaceful coexistence.”
