The Delta State Ethnic Peace and Unity Cup football fiesta came to a successful conclusion with Team Itsekiri (Ugbomaru FC) clinching the first position by defeating Team Ndokwa (Ndokwa East United FC) 3: 1 goal with a prestigious take home gift of #2.5m.
The grand finale was played at the Baptist High School, Orerokpe play field was held on Sunday 8 December, 2024 and witnessed by the high and mighty in the sport industry in Nigeria in general and Delta in particular.
Speaking to newsmen at the closing ceremony of the tournament, Comrade Sheriff Mulade, the National Coordinator of Center for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ) the sponsor of the tournament is both foster peace and unity amongst the various ethnic nationalities that make up the state and showcase the football talent of our youths.
Mulade who commended the spirit of sportsmanship exhibited by youths of the various ethnic teams that participated in football fiesta and appealed to the state government for the construction of two (2) mini stadium in Warri North, Warri South West LGA respectively, saying that “this will further promote sports development, unity, and socio-economic growth in the riverine axis of the State”.
Comrade Sheriff Mulade who expressed heartfelt gratitude to all participants, stakeholders, and partners, including the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development (DESOPADEC).
The tournament now in its fifth edition began a decade ago with the sole aim to foster peace and unity among the Itsekiri and Ijaw ethnic groups, but thisyear’s event marked a significant expansion, welcoming teams from four additional ethnic groups: Ika, Isoko, Ndokwa, and Urhobo, thereby enhancing its mission of promoting harmonious coexistence across Delta State.
The winner of the tournament went home with N2.5 million while the second place Team went home with N1.5 million and the third place Team went home with N1 million naira respectively.
While the Itsekiri nation went home with the first prize team Ndokwa got the 2nd position while team Urhobo went home with the 3rd position following absence of team Isoko who failed to show up for the match.
The winner of the tournament went home with N2.5 million while the second place Team went home with N1.5 million and the third place Team went home with N1 million naira respectively.
The match which was fficially kicked off by the Orodje of Okpe, represented by Chief Michael Age was graced by former former Super Eagles Players, Peter Rufia, Sam Sodje and Edema Fuludu respectively.
According to Mulade, since the inception of the tournament, over 2,700 youths from the Ijaw, Itsekiri, Ika, Ndokwa, and Urhobo communities have benefited from the initiative, which has provided encouragement and empowerment to many young individuals, particularly those from the riverine areas of Warri South-West Local Government Area.
He expressed happiness that the Delta Ethnic Peace and Unity Cup competition has emerged as a beacon of hope, highlighting the importance of sports in showcasing the talents of youth and fostering peaceful interactions among various ethnic groups as “Sports events like this are meant to showcase the talents of the youths”, emphasized.
CEPEJ Coordinator, Mulade 2nd (r) Peter Rufai on presenting the 3rd placed cup to the Urhobo team captain while Fuludu Edema extreme right at close of the tournament.
