By Francis Sadhere, Delta
The Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), in collaboration with the Africa for Peace Sports Academy, has officially kicked off the 2026 edition of the Delta Ethnic Peace and Unity Cup Tournament, with a call for peaceful coexistence and unity among the diverse ethnic nationalities in Delta State.
The tournament, initiated by the Ibe-Serimowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom and National Coordinator of CEPEJ, Chief Dr. Sheriff Mulade, was officially declared open amid cultural displays, fanfare and a massive turnout of youths, traditional rulers and football enthusiasts from across the state.
The competition is designed to use football as a tool for promoting peace, brotherhood, unity and harmonious coexistence among the various ethnic groups in Delta State.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mulade described the tournament as more than a sporting competition, noting that it was a strategic peace-building initiative aimed at bringing the Ijaw, Itsekiri, Urhobo, Isoko, Anioma and other ethnic nationalities together under one platform.
He stressed that sustainable development could only thrive in an atmosphere of peace, mutual respect and understanding, urging players, coaches and supporters to embrace discipline and sportsmanship throughout the competition.
The CEPEJ National Coordinator commended the organisation and the Africa for Peace Sports Academy for sustaining the vision of deploying sports as an instrument of peace and social integration.
He also called on the Delta State Government, corporate organisations and well-meaning individuals to support the initiative, describing it as a collective investment in the peace and future of the state.
The opening match of the tournament lived up to expectations as Isoko United defeated Team Isoko Nation 2-0 in an exciting encounter that set the pace for the competition.
Isoko United dominated possession from the blast of the whistle and scored a goal in each half to secure a comfortable victory before their cheering supporters.
The goals, which resulted from impressive teamwork and clinical finishing, earned Isoko United the maximum three points and an early advantage in the tournament standings.
Despite putting up a spirited performance, Team Isoko Nation could not penetrate the solid defence of their opponents.
At the end of the encounter, officials of CEPEJ and the Africa for Peace Sports Academy expressed satisfaction with the successful commencement of the tournament and the discipline exhibited by the participating teams.
The organisers disclosed that the competition would feature teams representing different ethnic nationalities across Delta State, with matches scheduled to take place at various centres in the coming weeks.
They reiterated that the overall winner would receive the coveted trophy, while all participating teams would be celebrated as ambassadors of peace, unity and peaceful coexistence in Delta State.
