02/08/2025
First Gombe Inter-Security Football Tournament Ends in Style with Green Legacy
The first edition of the Gombe State Inter-Security Agencies Unity Football Competition came to an end at the Pantami Stadium, drawing the curtain on a two-day celebration of unity, teamwork, and environmental sustainability. The initiative, organised by the Gombe State Football Association (FA) with support from the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (AcreSAL) and the Gombe Goes Green (3G) project, brought together security agencies in a rare blend of sportsmanship and civic responsibility.
The final, played on Saturday, August 2, featured an intense and entertaining clash between the Nigeria Police and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), ending in a 2-2 draw in regulation time. The Police emerged champions after winning 4-2 on penalties to lift the trophy.
Earlier, the Department of State Services (DSS) edged past the Nigeria Correctional Service to claim third place in the tournament.
Present at the grand finale was the Deputy Governor of Gombe State, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau, who represented His Excellency, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya. Dr. Jatau also participated in a symbolic tree planting at the stadium.
“The purpose of this competition is not just to have a winner, but to create synergy between our security agencies and other workforce,” the Deputy Governor stated.
“As the FA Chairman has said, we have selected a 25-man list that will make the State Security Team, to be known as the State Security Unity Team. We would do our best to register the team in the league and give it all necessary supports.”
Awards were presented to outstanding players in the competition, including Best Player, Top Scorer, and Best Goalkeeper, in recognition of exceptional performances throughout the tournament.
The final day of matches followed a tree planting campaign carried out the previous dayAugust 1, as part of the competition’s legacy. The Gombe State FA, in collaboration with AcreSAL and Gombe Goes Green, led representatives from various security agencies in planting trees across major security formations.
Trees were planted at the Gombe State Police Headquarters, the NDLEA Rehabilitation Centre, and the Nigeria Correctional Service Headquarters. Each of the participating agencies also received an additional 240 seedlings to further green their premises and promote climate resilience.
Speaking at the tree planting exercise, FA Chairman Yakubu Sarma highlighted the motivation behind combining environmental action with sporting activities.
“We came up with this Inter-Security tournament to create synergy between security agencies,” he said.
“After all the matches played, we feel it is important that we do something to help sustain the environment, looking at how we are being affected by climate change. Let me use this opportunity to thank all the heads of security agencies for cooperating with us throughout the period of this competition. Indeed, the aim has been achieved. As directed at the opening ceremony, we have selected the best 25 players from the beginning to today that will form the Gombe State Security Team.”
Aminu Maigari Malala, Climate Change Officer who represented AcreSAL Project Coordinator Dr. Sani Adamu Jauro, underscored the long-term goals of the tree planting effort.
“We are using trees to mitigate the rate of climate change. It’s not just about planting but maintenance,” he explained.
Reactions from the various agency leaders reflected a shared commitment to environmental sustainability. NDLEA Commandant Bello Mathew Tsaniya expressed gratitude to the organisers:
“We need trees around, and they are very important. They will protect us against strong winds. Maintaining the trees becomes necessary, and we’ll give them all the attention that will help them grow. I congratulate the FA and partners on this initiative.”
Correctional Services Commandant Abdullahi Salisu also applauded the move, “Thank you for recognising us and bringing tree planting to us. It’s a very good thing, especially the economic trees. We may not be around to benefit, but those coming will benefit, and we pray to get the rewards.”
Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Colonel Abdullahi Bello (Rtd), offered a government perspective, “I would like to appreciate the FA for coming up with this initiative, and I want to assure you that Gombe State is ready to work with all security agencies to ensure the security of the state.”
