Vunchi: Alhaji Mohammed Ndarani, SAN, has pledged to use sporting activities as a tool to promote peace and youth engagement in the community and the nation in general. Ndarani disclosed this at the grand finale of a football competition in Vunchi, Doko District of Lavun Local Government Area of Niger.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Ndarani announced that the ‘Hukunchi Nupe football competition’, which he sponsors, will be an annual event. The Senior Advocate emphasized that the vibrant football competition aims to promote unity and peace among youths. The Young Stars Football Club of Doko emerged as winners of the Hukunchi Nupe Cup, defeating Sparkling Stars, also of Doko, 4-3 on penalties after regulation time ended in a barren draw.
Fourteen teams from the region participated in the competition, which lasted for over a month, showcasing grassroots talent. Ndarani highlighted that football, apart from promoting unity and peace, would reduce youth restiveness in the country. He stated that in Nigeria, sports like football foster national pride and bridge ethnic divides.
‘The importance of sports like football extends far beyond physical activity. It creates jobs for many youths. It plays a vital role in personal development, community building, and even national progress,’ Ndarani remarked. He further stressed that football, like other sports, engages youths, keeping them away from negative influences and social vices.
Ndarani called on the youths and other Nigerians to embrace football and other sporting activities for the country’s overall development. He expressed delight at seeing people from different communities come together to participate, noting that football is a powerful tool for unity.
The competition attracted dignitaries from various communities, including traditional leaders and government officials. Ndarani assured his continued commitment to initiating youth-friendly policies and programs that would keep the youths off the streets. He noted that organizing football competitions in remote areas would uncover hidden talents, potentially leading them to shine in clubs like Manchester United and Arsenal in the future.