Delta Ethnic Peace & Unity Cup 2026: Mulade Launches ₦50m Grassroots Initiative to Unite Delta’s Seven Ethnic Nationalities

The National Coordinator of the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), Chief (Comrade) Mulade Sheriff, PhD, has inaugurated the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the 2026 Delta Ethnic Peace & Unity Cup, unveiling a ₦50 million grassroots sports and peacebuilding initiative aimed at promoting unity, peaceful coexistence and youth empowerment across Delta State.

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony held on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, Chief Mulade described the tournament as a strategic platform designed to foster lasting peace, cultural integration and healthy competition among Delta State’s seven major ethnic nationalities.

The initiative, organised by CEPEJ in collaboration with the Africa 4 Peace Sports Academy, will bring together youths from the Ijaw, Itsekiri, Isoko, Aniocha/Oshimili, Ika, Ndokwa and Urhobo ethnic groups through football, while promoting mutual understanding, friendship and peaceful coexistence.

Chief Mulade, who is the Ibe-Sorimowei of the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South-West Local Government Area, said the competition goes beyond football, describing it as a peacebuilding project designed to strengthen dialogue, tolerance and unity among young people.

According to him, the tournament will serve as a platform for breaking ethnic barriers, building trust and encouraging cooperation among communities, adding that peaceful coexistence remains essential for sustainable development in Delta State.

He noted that the initiative would also engage youths positively, nurture leadership qualities, discover football talents and redirect young people towards productive ventures capable of contributing to community and state development.

Chief Mulade disclosed that the competition, themed “One in All,” will feature four age categories—Under-12, Under-14, Under-16 and Under-20—to encourage broad participation and grassroots talent development across the state.

He further announced that winners of the tournament would receive multi-million naira cash prizes, explaining that the reward system was designed to stimulate healthy competition, increase participation and inspire excellence among participating teams.

Describing the inauguration of the Local Organising Committee as the beginning of an important journey, the peace advocate charged committee members to discharge their responsibilities with professionalism, transparency, dedication and teamwork to ensure the success of what he called a historic competition.

Chief Mulade also appealed to traditional rulers, government institutions, corporate organisations, development partners, community leaders and other stakeholders to support the initiative, stressing that collective participation would strengthen relationships among Delta’s diverse ethnic nationalities.

He noted that the tournament complements Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori’s vision of a peaceful and prosperous Delta State, adding that peace remains a critical ingredient for attracting investment, creating jobs and accelerating development.

Expressing confidence in the long-term impact of the initiative, Chief Mulade said the Delta Ethnic Peace & Unity Cup would grow into one of the state’s biggest grassroots sports and peacebuilding programmes.

The highpoint of the event was the inauguration of the 25-member Local Organising Committee, with former Super Eagles international Edema Fuludu named as Adviser, while former footballer and immediate past Chairman of the Delta State Football Association (DFA), Chief Kenneth Nwaomucha, was unveiled as Chairman of the LOC.

The event also featured the unveiling and inspection of football kits for the participating ethnic teams.

Chief Mulade urged all Deltans to embrace the vision of a united and prosperous state where diversity is celebrated as a source of strength rather than division, expressing optimism that the competition would bring together young people under the slogan: “One Delta. One People. One Victory.”