The North East Development Commission (NEDC), Adamawa State Office, has launched the 2026 Skating Championship in Yola, with a call for greater youth participation in activities that promote peace, unity and community development.
The championship, themed “Sports for Peace, Unity and Possibilities,” was launched on Saturday at Ribadu Square, Jimeta, Yola, with young athletes, sports officials, community leaders and other stakeholders in attendance.
Speaking at the event, the NEDC Adamawa State Coordinator, Barr. Khalifa Muhammad Lawan, said the initiative was aimed at promoting social cohesion, discovering sporting talents and providing productive opportunities for youths, particularly in communities affected by insurgency.
Lawan, who spoke on behalf of the Commission, said sports could serve as an important tool for peacebuilding and strengthening relationships among communities.
He said, “Sports remains a powerful tool for engaging our youths productively, fostering unity and building bridges across communities. This championship is not just about competition and trophies. It is about peace, tolerance and giving our young people a sense of belonging and hope for the future.”
The championship attracted hundreds of enthusiastic youths who turned out to participate in and support the competition, alongside representatives of various sporting associations, sports officials and other stakeholders.
The NEDC Adamawa office reiterated its commitment to supporting youth-focused programmes that promote reconciliation, healthy living, talent development and community resilience.
The Commission also pledged to sustain collaboration with development partners and relevant stakeholders in implementing initiatives designed to strengthen peacebuilding, youth empowerment and sustainable development across Adamawa State.