Brass—Hon. Alabo Hanson Karika, Chairman of Brass Local Government Council, has described football as a tool that promotes peace among individuals of different backgrounds.
He stated that the sport has contributed to uniting warring communities and also prevented idleness amongst youths.
Karika made this known while fielding questions from journalists during the final match of the Prosperity Soccer Cup held in Twon Brass, the council headquarters.
According to the council boss, he sponsored the event to promote peace and unity among the people of the area, knowing how much they love sports.
“We just concluded the Bayelsa governorship election that was contested by several political parties. As we all know, there was so much disharmony and animosity which also led to the demise of one of my personal aides.
“This competition is my way of bringing peace and reuniting our people, especially the youths,” he said.
He thanked Governor Douye Diri for reposing confidence in him and promised to continue doing his best for the people of the Council.
Also speaking, a stakeholder from the area, Chief A.F.K. Ngokon-Oifielate, who poured encomiums on Karika for organising the sporting event also called for support for the Council boss.
In his words, “As you can see, everyone here is excited. The field is full to capacity. We need to give Hon. Karika the necessary support and thank him very immensely for unifying the entire local government.
“There are things you should do that will make your people come together. Football is one of the major events that make our people come together as a unifying factor. So I commend the Chairman for sponsoring this tournament.”
A female spectator, Tochi Sonia Atiegha, who admitted the event stated that “I enjoyed the competition because we didn’t expect any form of sporting activities this year but the chairman made it happen and it is a good one.”
The tournament which started on 22 December 2023 ended on Tuesday, 2 January 2024 with Sambo-Ama defeating Cameron-Ama in a penalty shootout after playing a 2-2 draw at full-time.
Other teams that competed for the grand prize were Ada-Ama, Kemmer-Ama, Shidi-Ama and Imbikiri.
