Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and Commander of Operation ENDURING PEACE (COPEP), Major General Folusho Oyinlola, successfully hosted the first Peace and Unity Inter-Tribal 17-kilometre race in Mangu Local Government Area.
The initiative serves as a key component of the military’s non-kinetic strategy aimed at mitigating insecurity, fostering communal harmony, and strengthening civil-military relations.
The race brought together a diverse group of youths representing various tribes residing in Mangu Local Government Area.
It was designed to transform the local landscape into one of athletic camaraderie rather than conflict.
Speaking during the event, Major General Oyinlola emphasized that sports serve as a universal language capable of transcending ethnic, religious, and social boundaries.
He noted that the race reflects a sustained commitment to conflict management and peacebuilding across the Operation ENDURING PEACE Joint Operations Area (JOA).
The Commander further urged all participants to carry the values of teamwork, discipline, and mutual respect into their daily lives, stressing that peace is the essential foundation for meaningful developmental progress.
The event was further highlighted by the participation of an 11-year-old runner who completed the 17-kilometre race, symbolizing the resilience and hope of the younger generation.
In recognition of this extraordinary feat, the Liaison Director on Security to the Governor of Plateau State, Hon. Ziphion Chrysanthus Terkop, announced full secondary school scholarships and cash rewards of N100,000 each for the two youngest participants, aged 11 and 13, respectively.
He added that the gesture underscores the government’s commitment to rewarding courage and investing in the future of youth in Plateau State.
In a show of support for the winners, Major General Oyinlola presented cash prizes of N200,000, N150,000, and N100,000 to the first-, second-, and third-place finishers, respectively, in both male and female categories.
Consolation prizes were also awarded to participants who finished from fourth to tenth positions in both categories, as well as to the oldest participant.
Beyond the 17-kilometre race, the Commander took further steps to support the local economy and administrative infrastructure as the farming season approaches by distributing fertilizers to local farmers to enhance food security and productivity.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of Mangu Local Government Area, Hon. Bala Mwolpun, expressed profound gratitude to the military leadership for restoring stability to a region once engulfed in conflict.
While pledging to sustain the gains of the peace initiative, he appealed for continued troop presence to safeguard farmers during the planting season.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Commander, Sector 8, Operation Enduring Peace, who is also the Commanding Officer of CIB XII, Lieutenant Colonel Ofem John Ofem, reiterated that the competition was about more than physical endurance.
He described the race as a clear demonstration of the collaborative spirit the military continues to nurture in the region, stressing that by engaging the community through sports, the Command aims to replace memories of past communal conflicts with a new culture of physical fitness and social harmony.
The Commander also commissioned a newly constructed office block for the Chief of Army Staff Intervention Battalion XII (CIB XII) in Mangu.
The new facility, which includes the Commanding Officer’s office, an Operations Centre, and a Medical Outpost, is designed to enhance the operational efficiency and response capabilities of troops stationed in the area.
