The Convener of the 2026 Delta Ethnic Peace & Unity Cup, Chief (Comrade) Mulade Sheriff, PhD, has inaugurated the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the tournament and unveiled a ₦50 million grassroots initiative aimed at promoting peace, unity and youth development across Delta State.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony on Tuesday, Chief Mulade, who is also the National Coordinator of the Center for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), described the tournament as a strategic peacebuilding project designed to foster harmonious coexistence among the state’s diverse ethnic nationalities through sports.
Chief Mulade, the Ibe-Sorimowei of the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South-West Local Government Area, said the competition is being jointly organised by CEPEJ and the Africa 4 Peace Sports Academy to strengthen cultural integration and deepen mutual understanding among Deltans.
According to him, the championship will bring together youths from Delta State’s seven major ethnic nationalities—Ijaw, Itsekiri, Isoko, Aniocha/Oshimili, Ika, Ndokwa and Urhobo—in a football competition that goes beyond sports to promote dialogue, friendship and peaceful coexistence.
He explained that the initiative is intended to break ethnic barriers, build trust among young people and reinforce the values of tolerance, cooperation and unity, which he described as essential ingredients for sustainable development.
The peace advocate noted that the competition would also serve as a platform for youth engagement, leadership development and the discovery of sporting talents, while redirecting young people towards productive activities capable of contributing to community and state development.
Chief Mulade disclosed that the tournament, with the theme “One in All,” will feature four age categories—Under-12, Under-14, Under-16 and Under-20—to encourage broad participation and nurture emerging football talents across the state.
He further announced that winning teams would receive multi-million naira prizes, noting that the reward package was designed to stimulate healthy competition, encourage wider participation and inspire excellence among participants.
Describing the inauguration of the Local Organising Committee as a significant milestone, Chief Mulade charged members to carry out their responsibilities with integrity, professionalism, transparency and teamwork to ensure the successful delivery of the competition.
He appealed to traditional rulers, government agencies, corporate organisations, development partners, community leaders and other stakeholders to support the initiative, stressing that collective commitment would strengthen inter-ethnic relations and consolidate peace across Delta State.
Chief Mulade also maintained that peace remains a critical driver of investment and economic development, adding that the initiative aligns with the development vision of Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori by promoting a stable environment capable of attracting investors, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth.
Expressing optimism about the future of the competition, he said the Delta Ethnic Peace & Unity Cup is expected to evolve into one of the state’s flagship grassroots sports and peacebuilding programmes.
A major highlight of the event was the inauguration of the 25-member Local Organising Committee.
Former Super Eagles midfielder Edema Fuludu was named Adviser, while former footballer and immediate past Chairman of the Delta State Football Association (DFA), Amaju Pinnick’s ally, Kenneth Nwaomucha, was inaugurated as Chairman of the LOC.
The ceremony also featured the unveiling and inspection of football kits for the participating ethnic teams.
Chief Mulade called on all Deltans to embrace the vision of a united, peaceful and prosperous state where diversity is celebrated as a collective strength.
He said the 2026 Delta Ethnic Peace & Unity Cup will unite young people across the seven major ethnic nationalities under the inspiring slogan: “One Delta. One People. One Victory.”
