Itsekiri Nation Endorse Delta Ethnic Football Competition
The Itsekiri nation on Tuesday formally endorsed the Delta Ethnic Peace and Unity Cup Competition, hitherto known as Ijaw/Itsekiri Peace and Unity Football Tournament, billed to commence at Ode-Itsekiri on November 16, 2024, being the International Day of Tolerance. It will last till December 8, 2024.
The landmark endorsement took place during a notification visit to Ode-Itsekiri, Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State, by the Center for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), and the sponsor, Comrade (Chief) Sheriff Mulade alongside the local organizing committee, led by the LOC Chairman, Hon. Kenneth Nwaomucha.
The Ode-Itsekiri community chairman, Mr. Anthony Odonghanro and the Olaraja of Ode-Itsekiri, PA Afere Ejutemieden, while receiving the visitors lauded Sheriff Mulade and the local organizing committee as they informed the community members on the motives for initiating the competition to bring permanent peace to Delta State.
The chairman affirmed that "the Itsekiris are fully in support of the competition," noting that "it is another way of fostering unity and peaceful coexistence."
Earlier, Sheriff Mulade had intimated the community that "this year’s event is billed to commence on November 16, 2024, at Ode-Itsekiri, being International Day of Tolerance and the closing ceremony will climax on Sunday 8th, December, 2024".
“This programme will cover Delta Central and Delta South. The aim is to engender peaceful coexistence among the tribes Itsekiri, Urhobo, Ijaw, and Isoko, "he explained.
Mulade also disclosed that a princely N5million with consolidated prizes are at stake in the football competition with the winner billed to smile home with N2m, runners up with N1.5m, third place with N1m and the fourth place bagging N500,000.
On the effort to engage all stakeholders, Mulade said "we need your support and cooperation to mobilise and provide security guarantee for the competition as everyone needs peace. it is more expensive to manage crisis hence it it better to build peace. The opening ceremony will take place in Ode-Itsekiri and all Itsekiri football lovers will be present to kickstart the games".
Also speaking, the LOC Chairman, Hon. Kenneth Nwaomucha thanked the community leaders for endorsing the competition stating that "the Delta Ethnic Peace and Unity Cup will be played at the beautiful football pitch in the community".
Members of Ode-Itsekiri Elders council including Elder Emma Eyione and other community leaders expressed their love to take part in the games and also contribute to sport development in the area and the state at large.
Before moving to the football field to inspect the venue earmarked for the opening ceremony, Mulade disclosed that the Olu of Warri, His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, is scheduled to kickoff the football tournament at Ode-Itsekiri as the Royal Father of the Day.
He noted with delight that the monarch had always supported the games by sending representatives.
