Ovation as Mulade inaugurates Peace Games Village in Delta community
By Ezekiel Kagbala
It was ovation in Ugolo community near Osubi Airport, Okpe-Warri in Delta State on Saturday as popular Niger Delta activist and National Coordinator of the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), Comrade Sheriff Mulade formally inaugurated a peace games village in the locality.
Aptly tagged the 'Africa 4 Peace Games Village and Event Center', the sprawling complex "aims at promoting economic development and creating job opportunities for the teeming population of youths and sports lovers in Delta State".
The initiative is also aimed at promoting good health, fitness, sports and relaxation from all sorts of occupational related stress and burnout, Mulade stated during the inauguration which was graced by dignitaries from all walks of life including former Super Eagles striker, Victor Ikpeba.
Speaking with journalists at the event, Sheriff Mulade, who doubles as the chief executive of the games village expressed the hope that "the initiative would further succeed at engaging the youths in positive activities that promote a healthy lifestyle".
He commended the host community, Ugolo, in Okpe Local Government Area for the encouragement given for the thriving investments in the community.
"The community is friendly and accommodating", Mulade emphasized stressing that the His Royal Majesty, Major General Mujakperuo (Rtd), Orhue 1, the Orodje of the ancient Okpe Kingdom has been very supportive to investors.
Mulade spoke further, "The games village is for the entire Niger Delta; you can enjoy yourself here; it is an initiative to promote talents, peace and sports. If we promote what we have we will be great.
"Today is a very important day. We have put up some free entertainment shows to promote what we are doing here, all in a bid to localize and identify talents. The Games Village is to promote talent.
"This centre is more than just a sports facility; it is a symbol of our commitment to peace and development and to creating job opportunities for more than one hundred youths in Delta State.
"The Africa 4 Peace Games Village is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including training grounds, accommodation for athletes, and recreational areas designed to host a variety of sports programmes.
"Facilities available include event centre, 5 Aside Football Pitch, Basketball/Volleyball court, GYM Centre, Children bouncing castles/Swimming pools, Snooker, Table Tennis, Chess, USA Air Hockey, Scrabble, etc.".
Earlier in an opening remark at the occasion, a prominent investor from Bayelsa State, Ambassador Ebi-Owei, emphasized the importance of fitness and exercise as a means of achieving good health.
Ebi-Owei who made the remarks following an extensive tour of the facility submitted that “health is wealth and the Africa 4 Peace Games Village will serve as a beacon of hope and a platform to achieve good health".
