The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army (NA) and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH), Major-General Ibrahim Ali has again advocated for peace and unity in society. The Commander made the advocacy call on 12 November 2022 during the flag-off ceremony of the “Major General IS Ali Peace and Unity Marathon Competition” in Sector 5 and Forward Operating Bases Shendam and Sanga respectively.
In a press statement signed by the Media Information Officer OPSH, Captain Oya James, the commander highlighted that the competition was significant in the peace-building effort towards achieving peace in OPSH Joint Operations Area and establishing a cordial relationship between youths from different ethnic backgrounds. He advised participants to allow love to dictate their actions and relationship with other people.
General Ali further said the marathon competition would enhance robust civil-military relations through sports as part of Operation SAFE HAVEN’s non-kinetic approach to conflict resolution. He added that the competition would foster peaceful coexistence and unity among aggrieved ethnic and religious groups.
https://youtu.be/8yXboLaYwLc
It would be recalled that the “Major General IS Ali Peace and Unity Football Competition” had earlier commenced across all Sectors and FOBs of OPSH, with over 50 teams in the competition.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of cash prizes to winners of the marathon competition, the presentation of souvenirs to dignitaries, and the group photograph.