Delta’s Seven Ethnic Groups Set For Historic Peace Tournament As CEPEJ Unveils ₦50 Million Initiative
By AUGUSTINA McSOLOMON-OGHAKPERUO
Delta Targets Lasting Peace with ₦50m Ethnic Unity Football Tournament
A new grassroots football competition designed to foster peace and strengthen ethnic harmony is set to debut in Delta State following the launch of the ₦50 million Delta Ethnic Peace & Unity Cup 2026.
The initiative, championed by the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ) in collaboration with the Africa 4 Peace Sports Academy, will use football as a platform to promote unity, youth empowerment and social inclusion across the state.
Competition to Bring Seven Ethnic Groups Together
Speaking during the inauguration of the tournament’s Local Organising Committee, CEPEJ National Coordinator, Chief (Comrade) Mulade Sheriff, PhD, said the competition would unite youths from the state’s seven major ethnic nationalities.
The participating groups include the Ijaw, Itsekiri, Isoko, Aniocha/Oshimili, Ika, Ndokwa and Urhobo ethnic nationalities.
According to Mulade, the tournament has been designed to encourage understanding among communities while building stronger relationships through healthy sporting competition.
He noted that the project reflects the belief that sport remains one of the most effective tools for promoting peace, tolerance and social cohesion.
Grassroots Sports & Talent Discovery
The championship will feature Under-12, Under-14, Under-16 and Under-20 categories, creating opportunities for young footballers across Delta State to showcase their abilities.
Beyond competition, organisers say the programme will help discover emerging talents, encourage discipline and leadership, and provide positive engagement for youths.
Participants will compete for multi-million-naira prize money intended to reward excellence and stimulate wider participation.
Broad Support Sought for Success
Mulade appealed to government institutions, traditional rulers, private organisations, development partners and community stakeholders to support the initiative.
He said broad collaboration would ensure the programme achieves its objectives of promoting peaceful coexistence while strengthening community development.
He added that sustained peace remains critical to economic growth, investment attraction and long-term prosperity.
Experienced Committee to Drive Implementation
To coordinate preparations, organisers inaugurated a 25-member Local Organising Committee.
Former Super Eagles star Edema Fuludu will serve as Adviser, while former Delta State Football Association Chairman Chief Kenneth Nwaomucha will head the committee.
The event concluded with the presentation of official kits for participating teams, signalling the formal commencement of preparations for the statewide competition.
Organisers expressed optimism that the Delta Ethnic Peace & Unity Cup would evolve into a flagship grassroots football tournament that celebrates diversity while fostering lasting peace and unity across the state.
