Philanthropist, Dr. Abdul Baba Bala, Sponsors Bassa Peace Football Tournament

By Ishaq Dan-Imam, Lokoja.

Bassa Peace Tournament Gains Momentum as Philanthropist Donates Trophy to Foster Unity
In a renewed effort to promote lasting peace following recent ethnic tensions, an Abuja-based philanthropist from Idah, Kogi State, Dr. Abdul Baba Bala, has donated a trophy for the ongoing Bassa Peace Football Tournament in Bassa Local Government Area.
Dr. Bala, a management training consultant and Chief Executive Officer of Starex Global Consults Ltd, made the donation to support grassroots initiatives aimed at strengthening unity and peaceful coexistence in the area.
The tournament, which kicked off on April 20, 2026, features 10 football clubs drawn from the three districts of Bassa LGA. It is widely regarded as a historic sporting event designed to promote peace, inter-ethnic harmony, youth engagement, and sports development through competitive football.
Chairman of Bassa LGA, Mr. Theophilus Daruwana Adama, who is hosting the tournament, commended the donor for his commitment to community development and youth empowerment.
He described the initiative as a landmark intervention, noting that it reflects Dr. Bala’s dedication to grassroots development and peace-building efforts across Kogi State and beyond.
“This tournament is more than a football competition; it is a carnival of peace for our people,” Adama said. “It has not only united our communities but also boosted local economic activities, with traders, food vendors, and small businesses recording increased patronage.”
The council chairman urged residents to sustain the peace, emphasizing that the state government under Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo remains committed to fostering unity, rural development, and social justice. He also called on youths to support ongoing government initiatives aimed at strengthening social cohesion through sports and empowerment programmes.
Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Coach Sunday Tukura, alongside a member of the legislative council, Hon. Odekina Gwomina, lauded the council leadership for supporting grassroots sports and community integration. They described Bassa as a growing hub for grassroots football in Kogi State.

In matches played so far, Ogba United FC of Mozum District defeated Young Stars FC of Gbechi Community 3–1, while Koriko FC overcame Ankura FC by the same scoreline. Oguma Young Stars beat Ayede Community 2–0, and Sheria FC secured a 2–0 victory over Akakana FC.
Upcoming fixtures promise more excitement, with Ogba United FC set to face Flying Jets of Odenyi on April 25 at the Oguma Township Stadium, while Oguma FC will take on Gbechi FC earlier the same day.

As the tournament gathers momentum, more teams have expressed interest in participating in the competition, which offers a ₦100,000 cash prize for the winner and ₦50,000 for the runner-up, alongside medals for outstanding players and officials.

Stakeholders, including Ogba United’s goalkeeper Haruna Bashir, community leader Alhaji Ibrahim Adama (popularly known as Jackson), and Head Coach Tanko, have called on politicians, business leaders, and other well-meaning individuals to support similar initiatives.

They stressed that sustained investment in grassroots sports would help engage youths productively, reduce idleness, and strengthen peace across communities.

Also speaking, Bassa Community Development Union (BCDU) Chairman, Mr. Bako Tashilani, and the Madaki of Ogba Community, Hon. Abdulmalik Bala Aliyu, urged the local government to expand support for sports development to ensure the tournament evolves into a major annual event.

Edited by Dada Ahmed.