Delta State is set to host another major peace-building and grassroots sports initiative as renowned environmental and peace advocate, Chief Comrade Mulade Sheriff, PhD, has announced the commencement of preparations for the Delta Ethnic Peace and Unity Cup 2026, a multi-million naira football tournament designed to promote peaceful coexistence among the state’s diverse ethnic nationalities.
The tournament is an initiative of the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ) in partnership with the Africa 4 Peace Sports Academy, with the primary objective of using football as a platform to strengthen unity, foster reconciliation, empower young people and discover emerging football talents across Delta State.
Originally introduced as the Ijaw/Itsekiri Peace and Unity Football Tournament in the aftermath of the Warri ethnic crisis, the competition was conceived as a strategic peace-building intervention to reduce tensions, encourage dialogue and rebuild trust between the Ijaw and Itsekiri ethnic groups.
Following years of success and growing acceptance, the tournament has since evolved into the Delta Ethnic Peace and Unity Cup, expanding participation to six of Delta State’s major ethnic nationalities—Ijaw, Itsekiri, Urhobo, Isoko, Ika and Ndokwa—to further consolidate peace and strengthen inter-ethnic relationships across the state.
Speaking on the initiative, Chief Mulade said the expansion reflects the organisers’ commitment to building a united Delta State where diversity is celebrated and young people are empowered through sports.
“The Delta Ethnic Peace and Unity Cup is more than a football competition. It is a platform for reconciliation, dialogue, youth empowerment and sustainable peace. Through sports, we are creating opportunities for our young people, discovering talents and strengthening the bonds of unity among our ethnic nationalities,” he said.
Mulade explained that the tournament aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16), which promotes peace, justice and strong institutions, noting that the initiative would continue to serve as a vehicle for conflict prevention, social inclusion, youth engagement and community development.
He disclosed that the biennial championship is scheduled to kick off on November 16 every two years in commemoration of the International Day for Tolerance, a globally recognised day dedicated to promoting mutual respect, understanding and peaceful coexistence among people.
According to him, participating teams will represent the six ethnic nationalities in Delta State, while the competition is expected to attract football lovers, traditional rulers, government officials, corporate organisations, development partners and other stakeholders committed to peace-building and youth development.
The organisers appealed to government agencies, corporate organisations, development partners and public-spirited individuals to support the initiative through sponsorship and partnerships, stressing that such collaboration would further enhance grassroots sports development, youth empowerment and community engagement.
They noted that partners would benefit from identifying with a credible peace-building programme that enjoys extensive grassroots acceptance, strong community networks and an innovative approach to promoting sports as a catalyst for peace and development.
Observers say the Delta Ethnic Peace and Unity Cup has grown beyond a sporting event into one of the state’s foremost platforms for promoting reconciliation, strengthening ethnic harmony, discovering football talents and advancing sustainable peace and development across Delta State.