A community football field in Yelwan Kusu, Bauchi State, became a platform for peace advocacy and social cohesion on Saturday as young people and community stakeholders gathered for a Sports for Peace event under the Peace Across Expressions (PAX) Project.
The initiative, implemented by Victus Impact Network, brought together youths, traditional rulers, religious leaders, security representatives, women groups, and community-based organisations to promote dialogue, unity, and responsible civic engagement through sports.
Speaking during the opening session, community leaders emphasised the important role young people can play as ambassadors of peace and drivers of positive change within their communities. They encouraged participants to embrace tolerance, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence.
The event featured a lively football match that attracted enthusiastic participation from youths, turning the pitch into a symbol of teamwork, friendship, and unity.
To ensure broader community involvement, organisers also introduced indoor games such as Ludo and WHOT, enabling women and persons with disabilities to actively participate in the programme.
Participants described the gathering as more than a sporting event, noting that it provided a rare opportunity for interaction, dialogue, and shared commitment to peaceful living.
Organisers said sports have the power to bridge social divides and create spaces where communities can connect beyond differences.
The programme forms part of ongoing youth-led peacebuilding efforts supported by the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund (NYFF), which aims to empower young people to promote peace and social development in their communities.
Stakeholders at the event expressed optimism that such initiatives will continue to strengthen unity and peaceful coexistence across communities in Bauchi State.
They also reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining grassroots peacebuilding efforts through youth engagement and community partnerships.
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