By Nkechi Eze
Sabon Gari Local Government Area has emerged champions of the maiden Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Peace and Unity Cup 2025 after defeating Zangon Kataf in a tightly contested final held in Kaduna State. The much-anticipated grand finale, held over the weekend, drew a large crowd and underscored the power of sports to foster unity, peace, and reconciliation among communities.
In a match defined by spirited competition and sportsmanship, Sabon Gari secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory, earning the inaugural title in what many described as a showcase of talent, discipline, and community cohesion.
Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau in an official signed statement disclosed that the event brought together residents from across Kaduna’s diverse communities, reinforcing the message of peaceful coexistence through grassroots engagement.
According to the statement by Brig.Gen. Gusau, the tournament is an initiative of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, and was conceived as part of the military’s broader non-kinetic strategy to promote peace building and reconciliation in areas affected by communal tensions. The Peace and Unity Cup has been praised for creating a platform for dialogue, trust-building, and collective healing.
Representing the Governor of Kaduna State at the final match, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Abubakar Buba, commended the Armed Forces for what he described as a “timely and strategic intervention” in support of social cohesion. He noted that the initiative aligns with the state’s ongoing efforts to bridge divides and promote inclusive development.
Also present at the event was the Commissioner for Sports, alongside other dignitaries and community leaders, who lent their voices and presence in support of the competition’s noble objectives.
Individual and team awards were presented at the end of the match, recognising outstanding performances, discipline, and teamwork exhibited throughout the tournament. Players from both finalist teams were celebrated for embodying the spirit of unity and respect.
The success of the 2025 edition has bolstered expectations for the continuity of the initiative. Organisers hinted that subsequent editions will be expanded to include more local government areas and eventually more states, solidifying the role of the Armed Forces in peacebuilding beyond kinetic operations.
The CDS Peace and Unity Cup is now widely regarded as a model for using sports as a tool for reconciliation and national integration, particularly in regions that have experienced ethnic or communal strife.
Brig. Gen. Gusau reaffirmed the military’s commitment to sustaining non-combat interventions that strengthen national unity and deepen civilian-military relations.
