{"id":5711,"date":"2026-07-15T12:42:55","date_gmt":"2026-07-15T12:42:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2026\/07\/15\/mulade-announces-delta-ethnic-peace-and-unity-cup-2026\/"},"modified":"2026-07-15T12:42:55","modified_gmt":"2026-07-15T12:42:55","slug":"mulade-announces-delta-ethnic-peace-and-unity-cup-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2026\/07\/15\/mulade-announces-delta-ethnic-peace-and-unity-cup-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"MULADE ANNOUNCES DELTA ETHNIC PEACE AND UNITY CUP 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>By Uche Alvin<\/strong><br>Delta State is set to witness another landmark initiative aimed at promoting peace, unity, and grassroots sports development as renowned development and peace advocate, Chief Comrade Mulade Sheriff PhD, announced the readiness and commence preparedness for the <em>Multi-Million Naira Delta Ethnic Peace and Unity Football Tournament 2026<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The football competition, an initiative of the <em>Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ)<\/em> in collaboration with the Africa 4 Peace Sports Academy, is designed to strengthen peaceful coexistence and foster unity among the various ethnic nationalities in Delta State through sports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The tournament, previously known as the <em>Ijaw\/Itsekiri Peace and Unity Football Tournament,<\/em> was established following the Warri crisis as a strategic peace-building initiative to reduce ethnic tensions and encourage reconciliation between the Ijaw and Itsekiri people. Over the years, the initiative has gained recognition for using football as a veritable tool and platform to promote dialogue, friendship, and community integration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In line with its expanded vision and mandate, the tournament has been renamed <em>Delta Ethnic Peace and Unity Cup<\/em> for the past years. It has extended participation to six major ethnic groups in the state to consolidate on peaceful coexistence \u2014Ijaw, Itsekiri, Isoko, Ika, Ndokwa, and Urhobo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The organizers say the expansion reflects their commitment to building stronger relationships among all ethnic nationalities and promoting sustainable peace across Delta State.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to the organizers, the tournament is in line with the <em>United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16),<\/em> which focuses on promoting peace, justice, and strong institutions. They noted that the initiative will continue to serve as a platform for conflict prevention, youth engagement, and community development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Speaking on the objectives of the competition, Chief Mulade Sheriff, PhD explained that the tournament is aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence among the ethnic groups, discovering and nurturing talented footballers at the grassroots, encouraging youth empowerment through sports, and using football as a tool for socio-economic development and social inclusion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He added that the biennial competition is scheduled to commence on November 16 every two years, in commemoration of the <em>International Day for Tolerance,<\/em> a date globally recognized for promoting mutual understanding, respect, and peaceful coexistence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The organizers further disclosed that preparations are underway to ensure a successful tournament, with participating teams expected to represent the six ethnic nationalities across Delta State. The competition is expected to attract football enthusiasts, community leaders, government officials, corporate organizations, development partners, and other stakeholders committed towards promoting peacebuilding and youth development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">CEPEJ and the Africa 4 Peace Sports Academy also called on corporate organizations, government agencies, development partners, and well-meaning individuals to partner with the initiative, noting that such collaboration would further enhance sports development, youth empowerment, and community engagement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to the organizations, prospective partners will benefit from association with a credible peace-building initiative that offers extensive grassroots reach, strong community networks, and innovative approaches to sports development and social inclusion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Observers believe the Delta Ethnic Peace and Unity Cup has evolved beyond a football competition into a powerful platform for fostering reconciliation, strengthening inter-ethnic relationships, discovering football talents, and advancing sustainable peace and development in Delta State.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By Uche AlvinDelta State is set to witness another landmark initiative aimed at promoting peace,&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":5319,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"MULADE ANNOUNCES DELTA ETHNIC PEACE AND UNITY CUP 2026","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[13],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5711","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":3310,"url":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2024\/12\/07\/delta-peace-and-unity-cup-mulade-reaffirm-commitment-as-grand-final-holds-tomorrow-sunday-december-8th\/","url_meta":{"origin":5711,"position":0},"title":"Delta Peace And Unity Cup: Mulade Reaffirm Commitment As Grand Final Holds Tomorrow Sunday December 8th","author":"Freeborn Abraye","date":"December 7, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"By Freeborn Abraye Delta State born renowned peace and development advocate, Comrade Sheriff Mulade, President of CEPEJ and initiator of the Delta Ethnic Peace and Unity Cup, has reaffirmed his commitment toward promoting peaceful co-existence and unity among the various ethnic groups in the state. Chief Mulade Sheriff, the Ibe-Serimowei\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Sports&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Sports","link":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/sports\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/img_0368-1.jpg?fit=907%2C647&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/img_0368-1.jpg?fit=907%2C647&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/img_0368-1.jpg?fit=907%2C647&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/img_0368-1.jpg?fit=907%2C647&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":3313,"url":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2024\/12\/08\/itsekiri-emerge-winners-of-delta-ethnic-peace-and-unity-cup\/","url_meta":{"origin":5711,"position":1},"title":"Itsekiri Emerges Winners Of Delta Ethnic Peace And Unity Cup","author":"Freeborn Abraye","date":"December 8, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"By Freeborn Abraye Orerokpe town was abuzz with excitement on Sunday, December 8, as sports enthusiasts, royal dignitaries, and former Nigerian internationals gathered for the grand finale of the 2024 maiden edition of the Delta Peace and Unity Cup. The event, hosted at the Baptist High School Field, attracted a\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;News&quot;","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/5470da45-8744-41ee-9355-206145f983ee-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/5470da45-8744-41ee-9355-206145f983ee-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/5470da45-8744-41ee-9355-206145f983ee-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/5470da45-8744-41ee-9355-206145f983ee-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/5470da45-8744-41ee-9355-206145f983ee-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":3341,"url":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2024\/12\/17\/delta-sport-devt-sheriff-mulade-appreciates-loc-members-of-delta-ethnic-peace-and-unity-cup\/","url_meta":{"origin":5711,"position":2},"title":"DELTA SPORT DEVT: Sheriff Mulade Appreciates LOC Members Of Delta Ethnic Peace And Unity Cup","author":"Freeborn Abraye","date":"December 17, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"By Freeborn Abraye Warri: The promoter and National Coordinator of Center for Peace and Environmental Justice, CEPEJ, Comrade Mulade Sheriff, has commended members of the Local Organising Committee for their tireless and steadfast effort towards achieving a successful event. The Delta State-born renowned peace and environmental justice advocate, made the\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Sports&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Sports","link":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/sports\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/img_0651-1.jpg?fit=679%2C452&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/img_0651-1.jpg?fit=679%2C452&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/img_0651-1.jpg?fit=679%2C452&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":3305,"url":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2024\/12\/04\/delta-ethnic-peace-and-unity-cup-finals-team-ndokwa-to-face-team-itsekiri\/","url_meta":{"origin":5711,"position":3},"title":"Delta Ethnic Peace and Unity Cup Finals: Team Ndokwa To Face Team Itsekiri","author":"Freeborn Abraye","date":"December 4, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"By Freeborn Abraye Warri: The Delta Ethnic Peace and Unity Football Tournament has climax to the final stage after the semifinals matches of the Peace and Unity Cup have concluded in thrilling fashion. The results are as follows: At the Ogor Technical College, Ughelli Center, Team Itsekiri (Ugbomarun FC) played\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Sports&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Sports","link":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/sports\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/img_0368-1.jpg?fit=907%2C647&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/img_0368-1.jpg?fit=907%2C647&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/img_0368-1.jpg?fit=907%2C647&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/img_0368-1.jpg?fit=907%2C647&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":5591,"url":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2026\/05\/15\/delta-2027-mulade-picks-ndc-house-of-representatives-form-pledge-peace-unity-and-development-among-ethnic-nationalities-in-warri-federal-constituency\/","url_meta":{"origin":5711,"position":4},"title":"Delta 2027: Mulade Picks NDC House Of Representatives Form, Pledge Peace, Unity And Development Among Ethnic Nationalities In Warri Federal Constituency","author":"Freeborn Abraye","date":"May 15, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"By Esther David A Delta State-born renowned peace and development advocate Comrade Mulade Sheriff, PhD has picked up the Warri Federal Constituency House of Representatives, Expression of Interest Form from the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC. The widely known Niger Delta environmental rights activist and development advocate expressed confident and victory\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;News&quot;","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/db371a02-09c0-4e42-9da8-f9cc15377e30.jpg?fit=900%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/db371a02-09c0-4e42-9da8-f9cc15377e30.jpg?fit=900%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/db371a02-09c0-4e42-9da8-f9cc15377e30.jpg?fit=900%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/db371a02-09c0-4e42-9da8-f9cc15377e30.jpg?fit=900%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":5491,"url":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2026\/02\/25\/cepej-africa-launches-multi-stakeholders-peace-building-dialogue-to-de-escalate-recurring-tension-amongst-ethnic-groups-in-warri-delta-state\/","url_meta":{"origin":5711,"position":5},"title":"CEPEJ Africa Launches Multi-Stakeholders Peace-building Dialogue To De-Escalate Recurring Tension Amongst Ethnic Groups In Warri, Delta State","author":"Freeborn Abraye","date":"February 25, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"By Freeborn Abraye Mulade call for peaceful coexistence among Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobos in Warri federal constituency. A popular Human Rights and advocacy organization in the Niger Delta region, The Center for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ) on Tuesday launched a high-level multi-stakeholder roundtable dialogue among the Ijaw, Itsekiri and\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;News&quot;","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/img_8436.jpg?fit=662%2C439&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/img_8436.jpg?fit=662%2C439&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/img_8436.jpg?fit=662%2C439&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pfDfBE-1u7","jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/img_7425.jpg?fit=354%2C360&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5711","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5711"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5711\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5319"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5711"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5711"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5711"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}