Delta Ethnic Peace and Unity Cup 2024: Fostering Harmony Through Sports- Mulade
WARRI/Nigeria: The 2024 edition of the Delta State Ethnic Peace and Unity Cup concluded on December 8, 2024, with remarkable success, uniting diverse ethnic groups through sports and fostering harmony across Delta State.
The tournament began with a symbolic novelty match at Ode-Itsekiri, where Team Itsekiri/Ijaw joined forces to compete against other ethnic groups in celebration of World Tolerance Day. The event, attended by the competition’s initiator and global peace ambassador, Comrade Sheriff Mulade, alongside retired Super Eagles players like Sam Sodje and Edema Fuludu, set the tone for a tournament focused on peace and unity.
Significantly, this marked the first time in over two decades that the Ijaw and Itsekiri communities, historically divided by conflict, united to form a single team. The gesture exemplified the tournament’s core mission to bridge divides and promote understanding among Delta State’s ethnic groups.
The competition, which kicked off on November 16, featured teams representing six ethnic groups: Isoko, Ndokwa, Itsekiri, Ijaw, Urhobo, and Ika. Matches were held in designated centers across the state, including Oleh Township Stadium, Kwale Township Stadium, and Ogbe-Ijoh Secondary School Field.
The knockout stages led to a thrilling finale in Oreorokpe, Okpe Local Government Area, where Team Itsekiri (Ugbomarun FC) triumphed over Team Ndokwa (Ndokwa East United FC) with a 3-1 victory. The third-place match saw Team Urhobo (Udu United FC) secure the bronze, while Team Isoko (Winsome FC) was disqualified for breaching tournament guidelines.
Awards and Recognition
Champions (Itsekiri Ugbomarun FC): ₦2 million, a trophy, and gold medals.
Runners-up (Ndokwa East United FC): ₦1.5 million and silver medals.
Third Place (Udu United FC): ₦1 million and bronze medals.
Fourth Place: ₦500,000 and consolation prizes.
The event also showcased unity across the state’s senatorial districts, with Team Ndokwa representing Delta North, Team Itsekiri representing Delta South, and the finals held in Delta Central. This geographical representation underscored the tournament’s mission to foster bonds across all regions.
Comrade Mulade Sheriff, the tournament’s sponsor and a renowned environmental rights activist, praised the event’s success in promoting peaceful coexistence and unearthing athletic talent. “This tournament has strengthened our unity and showcased the rich cultural heritage of Delta State,” he remarked. “We are not just playing for peace but building bridges and discovering talents for posterity.”
The Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) and former Delta State Football Association chairman echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the tournament’s role as a unifying force.
The resounding success of the 2024 edition has set the stage for the sixth installment of the Delta State Ethnic Peace and Unity Cup. Organizers plan to expand participation, introduce new categories, and further cement the event’s place as a cornerstone of Delta State’s sporting calendar.
