The Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ) has inaugurated a 25-member Local Organising Committee for the 2026 Delta Ethnic Peace and Unity Cup. Former Super Eagles midfielder Fuludu will serve as adviser, while ex-football administrator Godwin Adode has been appointed chairman.
CEPEJ National Coordinator Comrade Sheriff Mulade announced the appointments at Tuesday’s inauguration. He said the committee was deliberately assembled to stage a tournament that uses football to advance peace, unity and harmony among Delta State’s ethnic communities.
Quick facts
- Competition: 2026 Delta Ethnic Peace and Unity Cup
- Organisers: CEPEJ and Africa 4 Peace Sports Academy
- Participating groups: Ijaw, Itsekiri, Isoko, Aniocha/Oshimili, Ika, Ndokwa and Urhobo
- Theme: “One in All”
- Age groups: Under-12, Under-14, Under-16 and Under-20
CEPEJ is staging the event with the Africa 4 Peace Sports Academy. It is designed to unite young players from Delta’s seven major ethnic nationalities: Ijaw, Itsekiri, Isoko, Aniocha/Oshimili, Ika, Ndokwa and Urhobo, under the theme “One in All.”
Mulade described the cup as a peace-building initiative rather than simply a football tournament. He said it would deepen bonds among young people, support cultural exchange and encourage peaceful living between communities and ethnic groups.
He said the project would also break down ethnic divisions by encouraging tolerance, discussion and joint action. In addition, it is intended to create pathways for identifying talent, developing leadership skills and involving more young people.
The tournament will be contested in four age brackets: Under-12, Under-14, Under-16 and Under-20. Champions in the respective categories will receive prizes worth millions of naira.
Mulade called on Fuludu, Adode and the other LOC members to work with transparency, professionalism and commitment. He also sought support from traditional leaders, public institutions, businesses and development partners.
He said the programme supports Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s development agenda by helping create the stable and peaceful atmosphere needed to attract investment.
The inauguration ended with the presentation and inspection of the football kits, trophies and medals prepared for the participating ethnic teams.
