The Delta Ethnic Peace and Unity Cup tournament is aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence, unity and socio-economic development among the state’s ethnic groups, according to its sponsor and National Coordinator of the Center for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), Chief (Comrade) Sheriff Mulade, Ph.D.

Mulade, who is also the flagbearer of the National Democratic Party (NDP) for Warri Federal Constituency in the forthcoming 2027 general elections, made the disclosure during the draws and distribution of sports kits to participating teams drawn from across the state at the Africa for Peace Games Village in Ugolo near Osubi Airport on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.

According to Mulade, the biennial football competition scheduled to kick-off on November 14, 2026, at Ozoro Township Stadium, brings together teams representing Ijaw, Itsekiri, Isoko, Ika, Ndokwa, Urhobo and Aniocha / Oshimili communities. 

He said the tournament also seeks to discover and nurture grassroots football talent and sustain peace among the various ethnic groups in the state.

"Formerly known as the Ijaw/Itsekiri Peace and Unity Football Tournament, the event was established after the Warri crisis to help mitigate conflict and foster harmony between the Ijaw and Itsekiri communities," Mulade said, while sharing the history of the tournament. 

"Its objectives align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 16, which promotes peace, justice and strong institutions," he added.

The CEPEJ Boss further disclosed that the 2026 competition, expected to commence on November 16, is in commemoration of the International Day of Tolerance which is celebrated November 14 annually.

20 registered participating teams were issued with sports kits at the event signaling the beginning of preparations for the tournament. The teams are Warri Ijaw FC, Diebiri FC, Egbema United FC, Burutu FC, Usele FC, Isoko Force FC, Isoko Utd, Isoko Team, Ukwuani FC, Ndokwa West FC, Umunede FC, Ute-Okpu FC, Agbor-Obi FC, Team Udu, Ughelli North FC, Team Uvwie, Okpe Force, Aniocha FC, Oshimili FC, and Olomu FC.

The NDP candidate maintained that distributing the kits to all 20 teams before kick-off was to ensure proper preparation and to give the tournament a uniform and professional outlook.

Responding, the leaders of the participating teams commended Mulade for his continued commitment to peace-building and youth development in the State, and assured him of their readiness to participate fully in the tournament.

Meanwhile, the Central Organising Committee (COC) members constituted to oversee the tournament comprise of Hon. Ken Nwaomucha (Chairman), Mr. Fuludu Godwin Edema (Adviser), Mr. Ogheneruru Umuagu (Delta State NRA Representative), Comrade Azuka Ralph Chiemeka (Delta Football Association Representative), Clarkson Ojo (Secretary), Omoboye Abosede (Welfare), Jossy Chimaobi Nzeromobi (Media Head), Olasupo Olatoke (ICT), and Tina Agidi (Admin/Finance). 

Chief Mulade, the tournament’s sponsor and founder, is a philanthropist and peace ambassador whose works include supporting initiatives in education, sports, youth empowerment and poverty alleviation. 

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