Chief Comrade Mulade Sheriff, PhD, has announced the Multi‑Million Naira Delta Ethnic Peace and Unity Football Tournament 2026, a biennial competition aimed at strengthening peace, unity and grassroots sports development across Delta State.
Organised by the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ) in partnership with the Africa 4 Peace Sports Academy, the tournament rebranded from the former Ijaw/Itsekiri Peace and Unity Football Tournament uses football as a tool for reconciliation and community integration following the Warri crisis. The expanded Delta Ethnic Peace and Unity Cup now brings together six major ethnic groups—Ijaw, Itsekiri, Isoko, Ika, Ndokwa and Urhobo to deepen inter‑ethnic relationships and promote sustainable peace across the state.
Chief Mulade said the competition aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 16, which prioritises peace, justice and strong institutions. He outlined the tournament’s objectives as promoting peaceful coexistence, discovering and nurturing grassroots football talent, empowering youth through sports, and leveraging football for socio‑economic development and social inclusion.
Scheduled to kick off on November 16, International Day for Tolerance the biennial tournament will feature teams representing the state’s major ethnic nationalities. Organisers say preparations are underway and expect wide participation from football fans, community leaders, government officials, corporate sponsors, development partners and other stakeholders.
CEPEJ and Africa 4 Peace Sports Academy are calling on corporate organisations, government agencies and well‑meaning individuals to support the initiative, noting partners will gain association with a credible peace‑building programme that delivers grassroots reach, strong community networks and innovative approaches to youth development.
Participants and observers say the Delta Ethnic Peace and Unity Cup has grown beyond sport into a powerful platform for reconciliation, talent discovery and sustained community development across Delta State.