Ahead of the anticipated Delta State ethnic peace and Unity Cup scheduled to commence November 16, 2024, at Ode Itsekiri, Warri South Local government area, the organizers of the competition, Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ) have presented Jersies, football, and other sports kits to various ethnic groups already listed to participate in the competition.
The various ethnic groups received their sports kits on Tuesday during a ceremony at the CEPEJ’s Africa for Peace Centre in Ugolo, near Osubi, as the organizers embarked on a draw and presentation of the items to the 24 teams billed to participate in the Ethnic Peace And Unity Cup fiesta.
The official sponsor and organizer, led by the National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of CEPEJ, Comrade Sheriff Mulade, embarked on the Match Draw and fixtures of the players according to their ethics. In an opening remark at the occasion, Comrade Mulade Sheriff recalled that the event started ten years ago with the aim of creating and fostering unity among ljaw and Itsekiri ethnic groups.
According to him, “the tournament, now in its 5th edition, is being expanded to include Ika, Isoko, Ndokwa and Urhobo ethnic groups, to promote harmony among all ethnic groups in Delta State”.
Mulade spoke further, “In support of the State Government’s development agenda. this initiative is currently supported by DESOPADEC in line with its mandate to promote peaceful coexistence among the oil producing communities of the State.
“The initiative is also aimed at fast tracking development, and also to discover young football talents in Delta State in line with the Catch Them Young advocacy of Center for Peace and Environmental Justice, CEPEJ.
“The director of social services, DESOPADEC Mr. Azosibe Elaye Jude during the event noted that peace building effort is worth supporting to to create an enabling environment where development could thrive, DESOPADEC is in support of programme and events that promote peace especially in Delta State”.
Speaking earlier before the presentation of the sport kits to the players, the Chairman of the local organising committee, LOC, Chief Kenneth Nwaomucha urged participants to “play by the rules of the game and avoid conducts that could undermine their qualifications”.
Nwaomucha also warned that “those who flout the rules or break the laws will face disciplinary actions”.
He then encouraged all players and team members to be of good conduct.
The Chairman unveiled the Patani FC VS Warri
Ijàw; OGBE-IJOH VS Bomadi FC; Bateren FC VS Sporting FC
(Itsekiri); Ugbomaru VS Ode Itsekiri FC; Ethiope East VS Uwvie Selected; Udu VS Okpe United; Abavo VS IKA; Owa VS Agbor; Wilsome FC VS Isoko North; Royal Eagle VS Uzere United; Ndokwa East VS Ukwani United. Mulade while appreciating the Local Organising Committee, LOC, led by Hon. Kenneth Nwaomucha for his support equally appreciated all partners especially DESOPADEC, CEPEJ, K & Q Food Palace, amongst others “for making this dream come true”.
He also congratulated all the teams representing the various ethnic groups and charged them to join the organizers “in advocating for, and contributing your quota towards the socioeconomic development of Delta State, and to support the Governor’s MORE Agenda for Deltans”.
“I urge representatives of the ethnic groups to promote peace and unity before, during and after the football tournament, and live together as one people of Delta State”, Mulade reiterated
READ ALSO: DEPUC 2024: Orodje of Okpe endorses Delta Ethnic Peace and Unity Cup tournament
