Mulade Unveils Delta Ethnic Peace and Unity Cup 2026 to Foster Peace, Youth Development

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 grassroots football tournament designed to promote peace, unity, and youth empowerment across Delta State.

The tournament, an initiative of the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ) in collaboration with the Africa 4 Peace Sports Academy, is aimed at strengthening harmonious coexistence among the state’s diverse ethnic nationalities while using sports as a catalyst for sustainable development.

Originally established as the Ijaw/Itsekiri Peace and Unity Football Tournament in the aftermath of the Warri crisis, the competition was conceived as a peace-building platform to ease ethnic tensions, encourage reconciliation, and foster lasting relationships between the Ijaw and Itsekiri communities. Over the years, it has earned widespread recognition for leveraging football as a tool for dialogue, friendship, and community integration.

In line with its broader vision, the tournament has since evolved into the Delta Ethnic Peace and Unity Cup, expanding participation to include six major ethnic nationalities in Delta State—Ijaw, Itsekiri, Isoko, Ika, Ndokwa, and Urhobo. The organizers said the expansion reflects their commitment to strengthening inter-ethnic harmony and promoting inclusive development across the state.

Speaking on the initiative, Chief Mulade explained that the competition seeks to promote peaceful coexistence, identify and nurture grassroots football talents, empower young people through sports, and stimulate socio-economic development by encouraging social inclusion and community engagement.

He further disclosed that the biennial tournament will commence on November 16 every two years to commemorate the International Day for Tolerance, a globally recognised day dedicated to promoting mutual respect, understanding, and peaceful coexistence among people of different backgrounds.

The organizers noted that the competition aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16), which advocates for peace, justice, and strong institutions. They emphasized that the tournament will continue to serve as a platform for conflict prevention, youth engagement, and community development.

Preparations for the 2026 edition are already underway, with participating teams expected to represent the six ethnic nationalities across Delta State. The event is expected to attract football lovers, traditional rulers, community leaders, government officials, corporate organisations, development partners, and other stakeholders committed to peacebuilding and youth development.

CEPEJ and the Africa 4 Peace Sports Academy also appealed to corporate organisations, government agencies, development partners, and public-spirited individuals to support the initiative through strategic partnerships. According to the organisers, such collaborations will further strengthen grassroots sports development, youth empowerment, and sustainable community engagement.

Observers say the Delta Ethnic Peace and Unity Cup has grown beyond a football tournament into a respected platform for reconciliation, talent discovery, inter-ethnic cooperation, and the promotion of lasting peace and sustainable development across Delta State.