IBBN Organizes Friendly Football Match Between CAN, JNI to Foster Peace
...As Muslims, Christians Play Novelty Friendly Football Match in Bauchi
Muslims and Christians faithful in Bauchi state have intensified efforts to cement any misunderstanding between the followers of the two main religions in the country.
This was disclosed by the soccer teams' representatives of both the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Jama'atul Nasir Islam (JNI) shortly after a novelty friendly football match, held at the games village recently in Bauchi.
The novelty encounter was initiated to promote peace and harmony, according to the organizers, Initiative for Better Brighter Nigeria IBBN, saying the match couldn't have come at a better time than now, while describing Bauchi as a peaceful state worthy of emulation.
Mr. Goshit Iliya, IBBN Community representative, shared his thoughts on the significance of promoting peaceful coexistence through sports engagements.
"The field is not all things happen, but the field, as you can see, a lot of people are coming together. I think this is the better place to capture the minds of the people within, while using sports as a tool for peace, unity, and development among people of the communities," he maintained.
Linus Mathias Mba, Youth CAN Representative, showed his appreciation and hope to continue living together in peace between Muslims and Christians communities in Bauchi.
"Yes, indeed, truly IBBN wants to showcase that in Bauchi, we are living in peace and we are together with JNI and CAN. And aside from that, I want people outside Bauchi to emulate how we are living, staying with one another in peace and harmony," he said.
Nasiru Shehu, JNI Representative, explained that "the novelty friendly match serves as a pathway to building peace between Muslims and Christians and strengthening unity and togetherness. I am very excited by this initiative. The presence of youth leaders from both CAN and JNI at this historic match is truly encouraging and shows the strong bond of relationship between us."
One of the players of Jama'atul Nasir Islam (JNI), Abdusalam Abubakar, expressed hope while maintaining that "sports activities, no doubt, would promote development and help sustain our existing relationships. The negative way some people portray us in this country is not true and does not reflect reality."
"In some cases, schools have even been shut down, but sports can help foster peace among people here in the state and beyond."
Highlights of the match included the presentation of gift items to deserving players and the entire team members to encourage tolerance with one another, irrespective of their faith
Tags:
PEACE