The National Coordinator of the Center for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ) and Convener of the 2026 Delta Ethnic Peace & Unity Cup, Chief (Comrade) Sheriff Mulade, PhD, has expressed confidence that the Delta Ethnic Peace & Unity Cup will evolve into one of the most impactful grassroots sports and peacebuilding programmes in Delta State, aimed at fostering unity, youth empowerment, and sustainable development.

Mulade made the assertion on Tuesday during the inauguration of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the 2026 Delta Ethnic Peace & Unity Cup, chaired by Hon. Kenneth Nwaomucha (immediate-past Chairman of the Delta State Football Association) where he charged committee members and stakeholders to work collectively towards delivering a successful competition.

Speaking at the inauguration, the renowned peace advocate described the tournament as a strategic intervention designed to unite Delta State's seven major ethnic nationalities—the Ijaw, Itsekiri, Isoko, Aniocha/Oshimili, Ika, Ndokwa, and Urhobo—through sports while promoting peaceful coexistence, cultural integration, and mutual understanding.

According to him, the 2026 edition of the competition, held under the slogan: "One Delta. One People. One Victory." is not merely a football tournament but a deliberate peacebuilding initiative that seeks to break ethnic barriers, strengthen trust among communities, encourage dialogue, and promote friendship among young people across the state.

He said the initiative would provide a platform for discovering sporting talents, nurturing future leaders, and engaging youths in meaningful activities capable of redirecting their energies toward productive ventures that would benefit both their communities and Delta State.

Chief Mulade disclosed that the tournament, tagged "One in All," would feature four categories: Under-12, Under-14, Under-16, and Under-20, thereby creating opportunities for broad youth participation and talent development.

He further announced that the competition would offer multi-million naira prizes to outstanding teams, noting that the reward system was intended to stimulate healthy competition, increase participation, and inspire young athletes across the state.

The CEPEJ National Coordinator urged members of the Local Organizing Committee to discharge their responsibilities with transparency, professionalism, dedication, and integrity, emphasizing that the success of the maiden competition would depend largely on their commitment.

Mulade also appealed to traditional rulers, government agencies, corporate organizations, development partners, community leaders, and other stakeholders to support the initiative, stressing that collective efforts would strengthen inter-ethnic relationships and contribute to lasting peace in Delta State.

He noted that creating a peaceful environment remains essential for attracting investors and development partners, adding that the tournament aligns with the MORE Agenda of Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori by complementing the state government's drive to promote peace, attract investments, and create employment opportunities for Deltans.

Reaffirming the vision behind the competition, Mulade called on all Deltans to embrace unity and view the state's ethnic diversity as a source of strength rather than division.

He expressed optimism that, with the support of stakeholders, the Delta Ethnic Peace & Unity Cup would leave a lasting legacy as a platform for sports development, youth empowerment, and enduring peace across the state.