Development and peace advocate, Chief Mulade Sheriff, PhD, has announced the commencement of preparations for the Multi-Million Naira Delta Ethnic Peace and Unity Cup 2026, a football tournament designed to promote peaceful coexistence, grassroots sports development and stronger inter-ethnic relations across Delta State.
The tournament, an initiative of the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ) in collaboration with the Africa 4 Peace Sports Academy, will bring together teams representing six major ethnic nationalities in the state—Ijaw, Itsekiri, Isoko, Ika, Ndokwa and Urhobo—in what organisers describe as a strategic effort to strengthen unity through sports.
Speaking on the initiative, Mulade said the competition was conceived to harness the unifying power of football in fostering dialogue, reconciliation and social cohesion among communities.
“The Delta Ethnic Peace and Unity Cup is more than a football competition. It is a peace-building platform designed to promote harmonious coexistence among our people, discover and nurture young football talents, empower youths through sports and contribute to socio-economic development across Delta State,” he said.
Mulade explained that the competition evolved from the Ijaw/Itsekiri Peace and Unity Football Tournament, which was established in the aftermath of the Warri ethnic crisis as a conflict-resolution initiative aimed at rebuilding trust between the Ijaw and Itsekiri communities.
According to him, the success of the earlier tournament informed its expansion into the Delta Ethnic Peace and Unity Cup, extending participation to six ethnic nationalities to consolidate the gains already made in promoting peace across the state.
“The expansion reflects our commitment to building stronger relationships among all ethnic nationalities in Delta State. Peace is everybody’s responsibility, and sports remain one of the most effective tools for bringing people together regardless of ethnic, religious or political differences,” he added.
Mulade noted that the initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16), which promotes peace, justice and strong institutions, stressing that the tournament would continue to provide opportunities for conflict prevention, youth engagement and community development.
He disclosed that the biennial tournament is scheduled to commence every November 16, in commemoration of the International Day for Tolerance, observed globally to encourage mutual understanding, respect and peaceful coexistence.
Preparations for the 2026 edition, he said, are already underway, with participating teams expected from the six ethnic nationalities across Delta State.
The event is also expected to attract football lovers, traditional rulers, community leaders, government officials, corporate organisations, development partners and other stakeholders committed to peacebuilding and youth development.
CEPEJ and the Africa 4 Peace Sports Academy appealed to government agencies, private sector organisations, development partners and public-spirited individuals to support the initiative through strategic partnerships.
According to the organisations, collaboration with the tournament will not only advance grassroots sports development and youth empowerment but also strengthen community engagement and sustainable peace efforts across Delta State.
Over the years, the competition has earned recognition as a grassroots peace-building initiative, using football as a platform to bridge ethnic divides, encourage reconciliation and identify promising football talents while promoting lasting harmony among communities.
