Delta State is set to witness another landmark initiative aimed at promoting peace, unity, and grassroots sports development as renowned development and peace advocate, Chief Comrade Mulade Sheriff PhD, announced the readiness and commence preparedness for the *Multi-Million Naira Delta Ethnic Peace and Unity Football Tournament 2026*
The football competition, an initiative of the *Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ)* in collaboration with the Africa 4 Peace Sports Academy, is designed to strengthen peaceful coexistence and foster unity among the various ethnic nationalities in Delta State through sports.
The tournament, previously known as the *Ijaw/Itsekiri Peace and Unity Football Tournament,* was established following the Warri crisis as a strategic peace-building initiative to reduce ethnic tensions and encourage reconciliation between the Ijaw and Itsekiri people. Over the years, the initiative has gained recognition for using football as a veritable tool and platform to promote dialogue, friendship, and community integration.
In line with its expanded vision and mandate, the tournament has been renamed *Delta Ethnic Peace and Unity Cup* for the past years. It has extended participation to six major ethnic groups in the state to consolidate on peaceful coexistence —Ijaw, Itsekiri, Isoko, Ika, Ndokwa, and Urhobo.
The organizers say the expansion reflects their commitment to building stronger relationships among all ethnic nationalities and promoting sustainable peace across Delta State.
According to the organizers, the tournament is in line with the *United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16),* which focuses on promoting peace, justice, and strong institutions. They noted that the initiative will continue to serve as a platform for conflict prevention, youth engagement, and community development.
Speaking on the objectives of the competition, Chief Mulade Sheriff, PhD explained that the tournament is aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence among the ethnic groups, discovering and nurturing talented footballers at the grassroots, encouraging youth empowerment through sports, and using football as a tool for socio-economic development and social inclusion.
He added that the biennial competition is scheduled to commence on November 16 every two years, in commemoration of the *International Day for Tolerance,* a date globally recognized for promoting mutual understanding, respect, and peaceful coexistence.
The organizers further disclosed that preparations are underway to ensure a successful tournament, with participating teams expected to represent the six ethnic nationalities across Delta State.
The competition is expected to attract football enthusiasts, community leaders, government officials, corporate organizations, development partners, and other stakeholders committed towards promoting peacebuilding and youth development.
CEPEJ and the Africa 4 Peace Sports Academy also called on corporate organizations, government agencies, development partners, and well-meaning individuals to partner with the initiative, noting that such collaboration would further enhance sports development, youth empowerment, and community engagement.
According to the organizations, prospective partners will benefit from association with a credible peace-building initiative that offers extensive grassroots reach, strong community networks, and innovative approaches to sports development and social inclusion.
Observers believe the Delta Ethnic Peace and Unity Cup has evolved beyond a football competition into a powerful platform for fostering reconciliation, strengthening inter-ethnic relationships, discovering football talents, and advancing sustainable peace and development in Delta State.
