Daily Hope24 News Desk

Young girls from several communities in Maiduguri on Tuesday took part in an inter-community traditional sports event organised to promote peace and social interaction after years of insurgency.The programme was organised by the Peace Ambassadors Centre for Humanitarian Aid and Empowerment (PACHE) in collaboration with the Borno State Government and the British Council. It formed part of efforts to support the reintegration of youths, particularly girls, whose lives have been affected by prolonged conflict.Speaking at the event, the President of PACHE, Ambassador Ahmed Shehu, said many young people in the state had grown up without the opportunity to enjoy normal social activities. He said engaging them through sports was one way to rebuild trust, encourage cooperation and reduce their exposure to negative influences.Shehu explained that the activities were also intended to help participants cope with trauma, noting that simple interaction and participation could restore confidence and a sense of belonging. According to him, some of the girls taking part had not experienced organised social events for several years.Shehu said PACHE’s work focuses on community level engagement, including mediating local disputes and supporting neighbourhoods recovering from conflict. “Similar activities would be extended to other communities, while football tournaments were also being planned in partnership with the Nigeria Union of Journalists. “The use of traditional sports provided a familiar and inclusive platform for young girls to interact peacefully, sustaining youth engagement which is a key to long term stability in Borno State” he added.