Mulade Unveils Multi-Million Naira Delta Ethnic Peace and Unity Cup 2026

Delta State is set to host another landmark peace-building initiative as renowned peace advocate and environmental activist, Chief Comrade Mulade Sheriff, PhD, has announced the commencement of preparations for the Multi-Million Naira Delta Ethnic Peace and Unity Cup 2026, a football tournament designed to strengthen unity, peaceful coexistence, and grassroots sports development across the state.

The tournament, an initiative of the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ) in collaboration with the Africa 4 Peace Sports Academy, will bring together teams representing six major ethnic nationalities in Delta State—Ijaw, Itsekiri, Isoko, Ika, Ndokwa, and Urhobo—in a celebration of peace through football.

Speaking on the initiative, Mulade said the competition is a strategic platform for fostering reconciliation, promoting ethnic harmony, empowering youths, and discovering football talents at the grassroots.

According to him, the tournament evolved from the former Ijaw/Itsekiri Peace and Unity Football Tournament, which was established in the aftermath of the Warri crisis to ease tensions and rebuild trust between the Ijaw and Itsekiri ethnic groups through sports.

He noted that following its remarkable success, the competition was expanded and renamed the Delta Ethnic Peace and Unity Cup to accommodate other major ethnic nationalities in the state, reflecting a broader commitment to lasting peace and social integration.

"The vision is to use football as a unifying force that transcends ethnic differences, creates opportunities for young people, and strengthens community relationships across Delta State," Mulade stated.

He explained that the biennial tournament aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16) on peace, justice, and strong institutions, adding that it will continue to serve as a vehicle for conflict prevention, youth engagement, and sustainable community development.

Mulade disclosed that the competition will commence on November 16, 2026, in commemoration of the International Day for Tolerance, a globally recognised day dedicated to promoting mutual understanding, respect, and peaceful coexistence.

Organisers said preparations have reached an advanced stage, with participating teams expected from the six ethnic nationalities. The tournament is also expected to attract government officials, traditional rulers, football enthusiasts, corporate organisations, development partners, and other stakeholders committed to peacebuilding and youth development.

CEPEJ and the Africa 4 Peace Sports Academy appealed to corporate bodies, government agencies, donor organisations, and public-spirited individuals to support the initiative, stressing that partnerships would deepen grassroots sports development, youth empowerment, and community engagement.

They added that sponsors would be associated with a credible and impactful peace-building programme that has earned recognition for promoting reconciliation, strengthening inter-ethnic relations, and creating opportunities for young football talents across Delta State.

Observers say the Delta Ethnic Peace and Unity Cup has grown beyond a football tournament into one of the state's foremost platforms for peacebuilding, ethnic integration, talent discovery, and sustainable development.