By Samson Adeyanju
Peace Ambassador and Fellow of the Cardinal Onaiyekan Foundation for Peace (COFP), Abah Anthony John, has maintained that it is easier to fund peace than war, even as he stressed that sport (football) is a unifying force in peace building and lessons there-in should be emulated.
“Let’s invest in peace, and let’s help ourselves because peace is cheaper to maintain than to finance war, or to finance crisis,” he said.
Amb John made his stance known in his welcome address at the Grand Finale of the Youth for Peace Interfaith Football Tournament he organized but sponsored by COFP on January 28th, 2024, in Durumi 2 Community, Garki Abuja.
Stressing the theme; “Bridging Faiths, Uniting Hearts,” the convener said the tournament symbolized the power of sport to foster unity, understanding, and peace within the community.
The event aimed not only to showcase sporting prowess but also to promote interfaith dialogue, understanding, and peaceful coexistence.
He acknowledged the dedication of both COFP and Catholic Television of Nigeria (CTV), in bringing together Christian and Muslim youths through the universal language of football.
Explaining that Durumi 2 Community emerged as a beacon of hope and inspiration, demonstrating that peaceful coexistence is a tangible reality, he praised the young athletes for their exceptional skill, resilience, and sportsmanship, highlighting their role as ambassadors for positive change.
Revealing that the commitment of Cardinal Onaiyekan Foundation for Peace and CTV in making the tournament was a success, he urged participants to carry the lessons learnt and friendships forged into their daily lives.
He emphasized that the event’s legacy should inspire communities to embrace diversity, foster understanding, and contribute to a more peaceful and harmonious future.
Ambassador John expressed gratitude to all contributors, envisioning that the spirit of peace ignited on the football field would resonate far beyond Durumi 2 Community, becoming a guiding light for those seeking a world united in harmony.
The Grand Finale marked not only the end of a football competition but also the beginning of strengthened interfaith relations in the community.
In her a address, Director, COFP, Rev. Sr. Agatha Chikelue emphasized the importance of fostering unity and understanding, even as she highlighted the project initiated by Amb John, a fellow in the COFP program.
Sr Chikelue explained that the project focuses on bringing together youths from diverse backgrounds, transcending religious differences, to engage in soccer.
The Director noted that soccer, being a game free from discrimination, serves as a powerful tool to unify communities.
She said the spirit of sportsmanship, peace, and unity observed on the field reinforces the message of diversity and unity.
She celebrated COFP’s commitment to promoting peace as a community.
She urged participants to cherish the lessons learned during the event, stressing that, regardless of origin or language, everyone is one people created by one God.
She then encouraged a spirit of collective victory, stating that in the match of the day, everyone is a winner, expressing hope that the positive energy generated during the event would be carried back to participants’ communities, fostering a broader sense of unity and understanding.
On his part, the Parish Priest of Church of the Archangel Gaduwa, Rev. Fr Daniel Agbor expressed confidence that through continuous reminders and efforts to foster unity, peace could be achieved in Nigeria.
He highlighted the transformative potential of initiatives that bring people together, fostering understanding and harmony across diverse backgrounds.
Speaking at the event, Hon Mrs Stella Dogwu praised the significance of football matches in promoting unity among young men, emphasizing that such events should occur more regularly.
Acknowledging the efforts of individuals, including Amb John, trained by COFP, for their commitment to fostering peace in their communities, Hon Stella emphasized the importance of starting at the community level to build bridges and eliminate divisive labels.
She expressed hope that these efforts, though seemingly small, would contribute to more significant strides towards lasting peace.
Representing the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), at the event, Apostle Okechukwu Ulu praised the initiative of bringing Christians and Muslims together to play football. He said it will promote togetherness and signifies unity amongst the two religions.
Maintaining that no one can play football with his enemy, Apostle Ulu explained that God created all to co-exist and that no one is an island or that does not need his neighbours assistance.
He urged the participants to continue to live with one another in love, peace and harmony.
Also speaking at the event, the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, COFP, Mrs Tina Richard affirmed that peace is ultimate and that where there is no peace there can be no progress and development.
Upholding that peace is possible and that only human beings can make it happen, Mrs Tina urged Nigerians to set aside religious and political differences for peace country desired by all.
