Rep Komsol
Rep Komsol Longgap organises peace, unity football tournament in constituency
Rep. Komsol Longgap (APC-Plateau) representing Mikang, Qua’anpan and Shendam Federal Constituency, has organised a football tournament to promote peace and unity in his constiteuncy.
Inaugurating the tournament on Sunday in Kurgwi, Qua’anpan local government area of Plateau,.the lawmaker said that the competition was aimed at promoting peaceful co-existence at the grassroot.
The kick-off ceremony which took place at about 4pm had in attendance, politicians, traditional rulers, football enthusiasts, and party supporters across the three local government areas that make up the constituency.
According to the legislator, the competition would also entrench religious and political tolerance among the people, particularly the youths
In addition, he said, the tournament would curb youth restiveness in his constiteuncy and, by extension, the state, stressing that it would enhance meaningful development.
“I have done much in the area of infrastructural development, youths and women empowerment and today we are promoting sport development, especially football among others in my constituency.
“Sports can be a valuable tool for national integration; apart from promoting physical well-being, sports plays an important role for a safer, more prosperous and peaceful society
“The aim of this tournament is not farfetched; as the name implies “Komsol Unity Cup” emanated from my conscious desire to reunite and strengthen the bond between our communities that have existed and shared socio-ethnic cultures for almost a century now.
“Inspite our existing challenges and grievances we will still have reasons to socialise and smile at each other
“The game of football has proven unequivocally to achieve unity effortlessly even amongst a multi-ethnic nation like ours, where the young and old sheath their differences, laugh and shake hands in support of either Plateau United, Arsenal, Chelsea or our National team without asking whether it’s Pan, Goemai, Youm, Piapung, Kanoem or Tehl, a Muslim or Christian that is playing
“So, I’m of the strong believe that at the end of this tournament, we shall have a more united and peaceful constituency and Plateau in general,”he said.
The Lawmaker added that the tournament is meant to remobilise the teaming energetic youths within his constituency to showcase their exceptional talents and apply their energy positively especially in the perilous times.
“The key focus of this football competition apart from promoting unity and peace in this constituency and the state the large, is to produce talents for our national and international teams.
“The competition will also provide avenue for my constituents to interact, exchange positive ideas and pleasantries that will lead to oneness and togetherness, “he said
The lawmaker urged the youths and Nigerians to be law abiding, respect constituted authority and shun all negative tendencies in order to achieve permanent peace in the country.
He reiterated his commitment and determination to continue to initiate more people-oriented projects that would have direct bearing on the lives of the people.
The lawmaker also urged the 40 participating teams, all drawn from the 40 federal wards of his constituency, to imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship and play according to the rules of football.
He announced that at the end of the tournament, the first three winners would be gifted a Volkswagen Sharon bus, a Volkswagen Golf car and a tricycle as prizes, respectively.
In addition, he said that other prizes would be given to individual players and teams who perform exceptionally.
Mr Alex Nanmtuan, the Chairman of Shendam local government area, who also spoke at the event, lauded Komsol for initiating the competition and other programmes that have had direct impact on the lives of his constituents and the state at large.
”It is a good thing that this competition is organised because it is going to help take our youths away from criminal activities.
“It is also an opportunity for them to discover their talents because for many of them, if this kind of opportunity does not present itself, they may not discover their talents
“What they need is for them to use this opportunity to sharpen their talents so that they can also compete with other well known footballers and participate in national competitions,”he said.
Naantua’am urged the lawmaker not to relent in his efforts in developing his constituency and called on other politicians to emulate Komsol for the overall development of the country.
