Development and peace advocate, Chief Comrade Mulade Sheriff, PhD, has announced the commencement of preparations for the 2026 edition of the Delta Ethnic Peace and Unity Cup, a multi-million naira football tournament designed to promote peaceful coexistence, youth development and inter-ethnic harmony across Delta State.
The competition, organised by the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ) in partnership with the Africa 4 Peace Sports Academy, seeks to deepen unity among the state’s ethnic nationalities by leveraging football as a vehicle for peacebuilding and social integration.
Originally introduced as the Ijaw/Itsekiri Peace and Unity Football Tournament in the aftermath of the Warri crisis, the initiative was conceived to ease ethnic tensions, encourage reconciliation and strengthen relationships between the Ijaw and Itsekiri communities.
Following years of successful implementation, the tournament was expanded and rebranded as the Delta Ethnic Peace and Unity Cup, broadening participation to include six major ethnic nationalities in the state — Ijaw, Itsekiri, Isoko, Ika, Ndokwa and Urhobo.
The organisers said the expansion reflects a renewed commitment to fostering mutual understanding, strengthening community ties and sustaining peace across Delta State.
According to CEPEJ, the initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16), which promotes peaceful and inclusive societies, access to justice and strong institutions. The organisation noted that the competition has continued to serve as a platform for conflict prevention, youth engagement and grassroots development.
Speaking on the objectives of the tournament, Chief Mulade said the competition is designed to encourage peaceful coexistence among ethnic groups, identify and develop young football talents, empower youths through sports and promote socio-economic inclusion.
He disclosed that the biennial tournament is scheduled to kick off every November 16 to coincide with the International Day for Tolerance, a global observance dedicated to promoting mutual respect, understanding and peaceful coexistence.
Preparations for the 2026 edition, he said, are already underway, with teams expected to represent the six participating ethnic nationalities from across the state.
The organisers expressed optimism that the tournament would attract football enthusiasts, traditional rulers, community leaders, government officials, corporate organisations, development partners and other stakeholders committed to peacebuilding and youth empowerment.
CEPEJ and the Africa 4 Peace Sports Academy also appealed to government agencies, private organisations, development partners and public-spirited individuals to support the initiative through strategic partnerships.
They noted that partners would benefit from aligning with a credible peacebuilding platform that combines grassroots sports development with community engagement, social inclusion and sustainable development.
The organisers added that over the years, the Delta Ethnic Peace and Unity Cup has grown beyond a football competition into a respected platform for reconciliation, talent discovery, inter-ethnic cooperation and the promotion of lasting peace across Delta State.
