2024 Delta Peace and Unity Cup: Team Itsekiri Wins 2.5 Million defeating Team Ndokwa 3-1, emerges champions
**As CEPEJ urges Delta State Govt. IOCs to construct mini township stadiums in coastal Ijaw, Itsekiri communities
Over 2,700 youths from Ijaw, Itsekiri, Ika, Ndokwa, and Urhobo communities have benefited from initiative- Mulade
The Delta Ethnic Peace and Unity Cup tournament concluded triumphantly on Sunday December 8, 2024 with Team Itsekiri (Ugbomarun FC) defeating Team Ndokwa (Ndokwa East United FC) 3:1 to claim the prestigious title.
Third place position was awarded to Team Urhobo as Team Isoko did not 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, held at Baptist High School Field in Orerokpe Town,, Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State was officially kicked off by the Orodje of Okpe, represented by Chief Michael Age, and graced by former former Super Eagles Players, Peter Rufia, Sam Sodje and Edema Fuludu
Now in its fifth edition, the tournament, which began a decade ago, aims to foster peace and unity among the Itsekiri and Ijaw ethnic groups.
This year’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.
Comrade Sheriff Mulade, National Coordinator of the Center for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ) and initiator of the Delta Ethnic Peace and Unity Cup, expressed heartfelt gratitude to all participants, stakeholders, and partners, including the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC).
He stressed the tournament’s success in uniting diverse ethnic groups and its positive impact on local youth.
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.
In a call to action, CEPEJ urged the Delta State Government and oil multinationals to collaborate on constructing two mini township stadiums in the coastal Ijaw and Itsekiri communities of Warri North and Warri South-West. This proposal aims to further promote sports development, unity, and socio-economic growth in the region.
The Delta Ethnic Peace and Unity Cup 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 Comrade Mulade aptly stated, “Sports events like this are meant to showcase the talents of the youths rather than recognizing only the winners.”
