Bauchi : Usman Ya’u unity cup brings tertiary institutions together
By Ahmed Ahmed
A one-week football tournament tagged Usman Ya’u Unity Cup has commenced in Bauchi Metropolis, aiming to foster peace, unity, and sportsmanship among students of tertiary institutions across the state.
Speaking at the flag-off on Sunday the organiser and football entrepreneur, Mr. Usman Ya’u, said the competition was conceived to bridge divides and strengthen harmony among youths.
“Some of the challenges facing our country today stem from a lack of unity, patriotism, and understanding of one another.
“Football is one of the strongest tools to bring people together, and that’s exactly what this tournament seeks to achieve,” he explained.
According to Ya’u, 10 tertiary institutions are participating in the competition, which serves as a platform for cultural exchange and friendship among students from different backgrounds.
He added that the event is not only about winning but also about building lasting relationships, tolerance, and mutual respect.
The opening match drew a diverse crowd of supporters, reflecting the tournament’s inclusivity. “At the end of the day, we hope this competition will unite them and help create bonds that go beyond the pitch,” Ya’u said.
Similarly, Mohammed Nasir, Secretary, Local Organising committee of the competition, said that the essence of the tournament is to bring unity among the students of Bauchi state tertiary institutions and to also identify talents to develop sports from the grassroot.
Also speaking, Usman Abubakar, a lecturer from the School of Nursing, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBU-TH), said it was high time such a competition was organised.
“This is because as medical personnel, we know the importance of exercise and unity.
“Organising such a competition will bring unity among the youth and we thank the organisers for organising such a competition,” he said.
Nuhu Abubakar, Students Affairs Coordinator, College of Agriculture, Bauchi, believed that the competition would improve sportsmanship, adding that it was an avenue for the students to familiarise with each other.
He called on the players to obey the rules and regulations of the competition, saying it was not a donor die affairs.
