Rita Enemuru, Reporting
WARRI — The quest for lasting peace and youth development across Delta State received a major boost on Tuesday as Chief (Comrade) Mulade Sheriff, PhD, officially inaugurated the Local Organising Committee for the 2026 Delta Ethnic Peace & Unity Cup, describing the tournament as a strategic vehicle for fostering unity among the state’s diverse ethnic nationalities.
The respected Ibe-Sorimowei of the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South-West council area, who also serves as National Coordinator of the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), performed the inauguration ceremony on August 4, 2026, in what he termed the beginning of “an important journey” for the state.
Speaking at the event, Chief Mulade emphasised that the competition—jointly organised by CEPEJ and the Africa 4 Peace Sports Academy—transcends mere football, positioning it as a comprehensive peacebuilding project designed to unite Delta State’s seven major ethnic groups: Ijaw, Itsekiri, Isoko, Aniocha/Oshimili, Ika, Ndokwa, and Urhobo.
“This initiative is crafted to break ethnic barriers, build trust, and reinforce the values of tolerance, dialogue, and cooperation,” Chief Mulade stated. “These principles are essential for sustainable development in Delta State.”
The peace advocate, who holds a doctorate degree, revealed that the tournament, operating under the theme “One in All,” would feature four age categories—Under-12, Under-14, Under-16, and Under-20—to ensure broad participation and comprehensive talent development among young Deltans.
In a significant move to incentivise participation, Chief Mulade announced that winners would receive multi-million naira prizes, explaining that the reward system aims to encourage healthy competition and generate enthusiasm among youths across the state.
The CEPEJ boss further stressed the tournament’s potential to serve as a constructive platform for youth engagement, leadership inspiration, and talent discovery, redirecting young people towards productive ventures capable of contributing to community and state development.
Chief Mulade issued a clarion call to traditional rulers, government institutions, corporate organisations, development partners, and community leaders to support the initiative, noting that collective participation would strengthen relationships among ethnic nationalities and promote lasting peace.
“Peaceful coexistence remains a critical requirement for attracting investments and development opportunities into Delta State,” he explained. “This initiative complements the development vision of Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori by helping to create a peaceful environment capable of attracting investors and generating employment opportunities for our people.”
The highpoint of the event witnessed the formal inauguration of a 25-member committee, with ex-international Edema Fuludu appointed as Adviser, while former footballer and ex-chairman of the Delta State Football Association assumes the role of LOC Chairman. The ceremony also featured the unveiling and inspection of football kits for all participating ethnic teams across the state.
Chief Mulade expressed confidence that the Delta Ethnic Peace & Unity Cup would become one of the state’s most significant grassroots sports and peacebuilding programmes, urging all Deltans to embrace the vision of a united and prosperous state where diversity is celebrated as a source of strength rather than division.
The 2026 competition is expected to bring together youths from the seven major ethnic nationalities under the unifying slogan: “One Delta. One People. One Victory.”
