The Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, on Saturday, was at the Lafia City Stadium to declare the 2nd Edition of the Inter-Security Agencies Unity Cup Football Tournament, 2023, hosted in his honour, open.
Represented by the State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Jafaru Ango, the Governor said the competition was a welcome development as it helps to cement a healthy working relationship among the various Security Outfits in the State, build confidence and trust between the Security Agencies and the Civilian population as well as physically prepare them to effectively discharge their professional duties in their host State.
While wishing the participating Agencies success in the tournament, the Governor commended his Senior Special Assistant on Sports Development, Comr. Hamza Ibrahim Moyi, for initiating the programme, adding that it would go a long way in creating a peaceful environment for indigenes and residents of the State alike.
In their earlier remarks, Commissioner of Police, Nasarawa State Command, Umar Shehu Nadada, and Assistant Commandant-General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Abbas Bappas Mohammed, thanked the initiator of the Competition and the Nasarawa State Government for providing an enabling environment for Security Personnel to carry out their primary assignments effectively.
Both promised to take advantage of the tournament to create mutually beneficial relationships with the State Government and sister Agencies for a prosperous society for all as gathered by Nigeriasoccernet.com through the media officer Eche Amos.
In his address, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Abdullahi Sule on Sports Development, Hamza Ibrahim Moyi, stated that the penchant of Governor Abdullahi Sule to develop sports and create a safe and secure Nasarawa State necessitated his poise to host the competition in his honour.
He explained that the unity of the various Security Agencies would go a long way in curbing crimes and other social vices in the State.
He appreciated Governor Abdullahi Sule for graciously approving funds for the tournament to hold, pledging to exhaust every avenue to ensure the competition ends successfully.
Moyi applauded the participating Agencies for their unwavering support and commitment to make the tournament a success.
During Saturday's exhibition match, defending Champions, Nasarawa State Agency for Youth Empowerment Scheme, NAYES, thrashed the Nigerian Army 3-0.
In attendance, also was Chairman of the Nasarawa State Football Association, Alh. Salisu Galadima.
Participating Agencies are split into two Groups of five teams each, with the Nigerian Police Force, NAYES, FRSC, Immigration and Correctional Service in Group 'A', while DSS, Nigerian Army, NSCDC, Fire Service and NDLEA are in Group 'B'.
On 6th January, 2024, 2022 edition Runners-up, the Nigerian Police Force, will take on FRSC by 2pm before the Nigerian Correctional Service will square up against the Nigerian Immigration Service by 4pm.
Four teams will advance to the Quarter-finals from each Group after the preliminary stages.
All matches are to be played at the Lafia City Stadium.
By Olaleye Oluwadamilola