The Nigerian Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Bala, Peace Cup is set to kick in Kano.
The CAS U-20 Peace Cup, an annual tournament for teams from all 36 states and Abuja, will take place from November 10 to December 7 at Kano’s Pillars Stadium and Sani Abacha Stadium.
with chief host of 2024 CAS Peace Cup U20 Tournament
Group Captain Mustapha Suleiman –Commander, 455 Base Services Group of the Nigerian Air Force
The 4th edition, hosted by the 455 Base Services Group of the Nigerian Air Force, is led by Group Captain Mustapha Suleiman, who announced the tournament at a briefing with the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria and the Africa Youth Sports Federation.
“The Nigerian Air Force adopted this non-kinetic approach to engage youth in the fight against insurgency, drug abuse, and other societal vices. It’s part of our effort to redirect youth who may have been exposed to these challenges,” he explained.
Group Captain Suleiman emphasized that this youth-focused strategy was introduced by Nigeria’s 22nd Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Balla Abubakar DFS GSS psc fdc FCMH FCM MIAD MNIM MCIPM FISPN. He credited Air Vice Marshal A.Y. Abdullahi of the Air Training Command for his commitment to positive youth engagement through non-kinetic methods.
“We believe that any initiative fostering peace without a single bullet is valuable,” Suleiman stated. “Football, as a unifying sport, is central to our strategy in combating criminal activities and promoting a sense of family among communities.”
He added that the Nigerian Air Force collaborates with the Army, Navy, and other security agencies, including the police, to maintain peace and safeguard citizens’ lives and property.
Commander, 455 Base Services Group of the Nigerian Air Force
For the 455 Base Services Group, hosting the prestigious Africa Youth Sports Federation U20 Peace Cup is a significant opportunity for Kano State. Besides football, the Air Force also provides medical outreach and other services to strengthen community relations.
The tournament winners will represent Nigeria at the World U20 Peace Football Competition in Lisbon, Portugal.
