Delta State is set for another major peace-building drive as preparations have commenced for the Multi-Million Naira Delta Ethnic Peace and Unity Football Tournament 2026.
The tournament is an initiative of the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice, CEPEJ, in partnership with the Africa 4 Peace Sports Academy.
Organizers said the competition is designed to strengthen peaceful coexistence and unity among the various ethnic nationalities in Delta State through grassroots sports.
Originally established as the Ijaw/Itsekiri Peace and Unity Football Tournament after the Warri crisis, the competition was conceived to reduce ethnic tensions and promote reconciliation between the Ijaw and Itsekiri people.
Over the years, it has gained recognition for using football as a tool for dialogue, friendship and community integration.
The tournament was later renamed the _Delta Ethnic Peace and Unity Cup_ and has now been expanded to include six major ethnic groups: Ijaw, Itsekiri, Isoko, Ika, Ndokwa and Urhobo.
According to organizers, the expansion reflects a deliberate commitment to building stronger relationships among all ethnic groups and promoting sustainable peace across the state.
They noted that the initiative aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 16, which focuses on peace, justice and strong institutions, and will serve as a platform for conflict prevention, youth engagement and community development.
Speaking on the objectives, Chief Mulade Sheriff, PhD, said the tournament aims to promote peaceful coexistence, discover and nurture grassroots football talent, encourage youth empowerment through sports, and drive socio-economic development and social inclusion.
He added that the biennial competition will kick off on November 16 every two years to commemorate the International Day for Tolerance — a day globally recognized for mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence.
Preparations are already underway. Participating teams will represent the six ethnic nationalities across Delta State. The event is expected to attract football fans, community leaders, government officials, corporate bodies and development partners.
CEPEJ and Africa 4 Peace Sports Academy have called on corporate organizations, government agencies and well-meaning individuals to partner with the initiative, noting that partners will benefit from association with a credible peace-building platform with strong grassroots reach.
Observers say the Delta Ethnic Peace and Unity Cup has grown beyond football into a powerful platform for reconciliation, inter-ethnic bonding, talent discovery and sustainable peace in Delta State.
