Sports can cure ethno-religious conflicts – Mark

The President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, has again harped on the need for governments and private organisations to collaborate in the development of sports as a tool for peaceful co-existence and unity between and among the diverse ethnic and religious groups in the country.
Mark said: “I am convinced that with sports, there would be healthy competitions between and among our people. The occasional ethno-religious outbursts would be addressed because sports speak only one language: friendship, peace, love and togetherness.”

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 4th edition of Governor Gabriel Suswam Annual PRO-AM golf tournament in Otukpo, Benue State, at the weekend, Mark expressed optimism that sports, like deep affection, conquers all grievances or aggression.
He added: “In the good old days of the Super Eagles of Nigeria, the language was Nigeria and Nigeria. There was no ethnic or religious coloration. It was one love: Nigeria. The same spirit could be rekindled today if we develop all aspects of our sports and promote healthy competition rather than the contrary.”
Mark therefore promised to continue to contribute his quota towards the development of sports in the country.
In his remark, Suswam expressed appreciation to Mark for promoting sports in Benue State and contributing to the socio-economic development of the state.
According to Suswam: “The Otukpo Golf Course has placed Benue State on the international tourism map and so I have no doubt in my mind that the first set of future Tiger Woods will come from Benue State.”
In the result of the four-day tournament, Emos Korblah, a professional resident in Otukpo, emerged the overall winner with a gross of 288. Ideriah Solomon of Port-Harcourt Golf Club emerged Category One winner with 310 while Amina Wilfred of Kano Golf club clinched the ladies trophy with 177 points.