COMRADE MULADE SHERIFF CALLS FOR MORE PATNERSHIP FOR SUSTAINABLE PEACE IN DELTA STATE.... 

.....Speaks on the Success Story of the 2024 Edition of the Delta State Ethnic Peace and Unity Cup Competition. 



The 2024 edition of the Delta State Ethnic Peace and Unity Cup competition ended on a high note, fostering unity and celebrating sporting excellence among ethnic groups in Delta State.


Novelty Match


A special novelty match was played at Ode-Itsekiri between team Itsekiri/Ijaw on one side and the other ethnic groups on the other side to flag-off the tournament and also to mark this year's World Tolerance Day.


During the opening ceremony match at Ode-Itsekiri, the initiator and renowned global peace ambassador Chief Comrade Mulade Sheriff, members of the LOC, some retired ex-international and Nigeria Super Eagles players such as Sam Sodje, Edema Fuludu, etc, travelled to Ode-itsekiri in the Creek to witness the curtain-raiser, to ensure that the objectives of the tournament (promoting inter-ethnic peace, unity and friendly competition) was met, to also ensure that the organisation of the event met global standard.


It is imperative to state that since the ethnic conflict that engulfed Delta State over 20 yeas ago, particularly Warri and environs, this is the first time the Ijaw's & Itsekiri's are united by forming a unity team to play against other ethnic groups in the state.



The journey of this year's tournament started on November 16, and climaxed on December 8, 2024, featuring teams that represented different ethnic groups.


The Ethnic Group Stage

Preliminary matches took place in 6 ethnic group centres across Delta State, including:


1). Isoko Ethnic: Oleh Township Stadium.

2). Ndokwa Ethnic: Kwale Township Stadium.

3). Itsekiri Ethnic: Nana Model College Stadium.

4). Ijaw Ethnic: Ogbe-Ijoh Secondary School field.

5). Urhobo Ethnic: Agharho Primary School 

6). Ika Ethnic: Obiaruku Secondary School Field.


These matches revealed team spirit, determination, and sportsmanship among the players from various ethnic groups.


Knockout Stage and Finals


The knockout stage led to the thrilling grand finale between Team Itsekiri (Ugbomarun FC) and Team Ndokwa (Ndokwa East United FC) at Oreorokpe town in Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State, where team Itsekiri-Ugbomarun FC emerged winners by 3 goals to 1, claiming the championship title. The quarter final matches were played at Obiaruku Secondary School Field, in Ukwani LGA, and Ogbe Primary School Field, Effurun, in Uvwie LGA, leading to the semifinals that were played at Oleh Township Stadium, in Isoko South LGA, and Ogor Technical College, Ughelli North LGA.


*Awards and Prizes*


*Champions (Itsekiri Ugbomarun FC)*: ₦2 million cash prize, a trophy, and gold medals for the players.


 *Runners-up (Ndokwa East United FC)*: ₦1.5m million cash prize, and silver medals for the players.


Third-place winner (Team Urhobo, Udu United FC)* N1 million cash prize, and bronze medals for the players.


Fourth-place team*:#500,000 and consolation prizes. However, Team Isoko, (Winsome FC) who were supposed to be fourth place winners, were disqualified and banned from participating in the next edition for breaching guidelines.


Grand Finale


It is worthy of note that the three (3) Senatorial District of Delta State fully participate in this year’s edition, miraculously through divine arrangement, Team Ndokwa from Delta North while Team Itsekiri from Delta South and the Final was played at Oreorokpe Town in Okpe LGA, Delta Central. This showcase the bond of unity in Delta State.


According to the organiser, Comrade Mulade Sheriff, the purpose goes beyond just playing for Peace and unity but the Delta State Ethnic Peace and Unity Cup achieved its primary objectives by fostering unity and promoting peaceful co-existence among various ethnic groups in the state. "This tournament has strengthened our bond and showcased the rich cultural heritage of Delta State," we do not just play for peace and building bridges of unity but equally hunting and discovery talents for Posterity. The LOC Chairman and immediate past chairman, Delta State Football Association (DFA) also collaborated the assertion by the sponsor, Delta State born renowned environmental rights activist. Comrade Mulade Sheriff.


Future Prospects



The success of the 2024 tournament has paved the way for the next (6th) edition of the competition. Plans are underway to expand participation, introduce new categories, and ensure that the event remains the cornerstone of Delta State's sports calendar.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Image
 UPU AMERICA CONDEMNS ALLEGED VIOLENCE, DESTRUCTION IN OKUAMA COMMUNITY BY SOLDIERS Urhobo Progress Union of America has  condemned in strong terms, the devastating acts of violence and destruction that have unfolded in Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria. A statement signed by the President UPU America Olorogun Prince (Dr.) Abel Dafiaghor and Director of Publicity, Mrs. Helen Irede-Mulbah says the tragic narrative of the Nigerian military's involvement in the killing and demolition of property in this community not only raises profound concerns but also calls into question the fundamental role and responsibilities of a nation's armed forces. According to the UPU America, the incidents in Okuama, which resulted in the loss of innocent lives and the obliteration of properties, starkly contradict this mandate to protect lives and property.  The UPU America articulates a pressing demand for an exhaustive and impartial investigation...
Read more
Image
 UPU AMERICA APPEALS TO PRESIDENT TINUBU TO SHOW COMPASSION IN HANDLING OKUAMA CRISIS IN SPIRIT OF EASTER As Nigerians celebrate Easter, the leadership of Urhobo Progress Union America has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to show compassion and leniency in these turbulent times.  A statement signed by the President UPU America Olorogun Prince (Dr.) Abel Dafiaghor and Director of Publicity, Mrs. Helen Irede-Mulbah called on all Nigerians of goodwill to prevail on the Federal Government and the Nigerian Military, to a more tempered response in the ongoing investigation surrounding the heinous murder of dedicated soldiers near the Okuama community in Ughelli South, Delta State. It noted that the plea comes amidst unsettling developments, including the declaration of a revered traditional monarch as wanted, an action that has sent ripples of unease through the foundations of our cultural heritage. It added that the loss of life, both among those sworn to protect our nation and in...
Read more
Image
 DELTA STATE LG COUNCILS WOULD BE MANNED BY ONLY COMPETENT CHAIRMEN -NZE FRANCIS ONUORA. Warri- Nze Francis Onuora, a two-time appointee in the immediate past government of Delta State has now been appointed by the incumbent Governor of the state Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori as his Senior Special Assistant on Non Indigenes Affairs. His level of experience in the political landscape of Delta State politics has  formed the basis for his assertion that the twenty-five Local Government Councils across Delta State would once again be managed by only competent Chairmen in the Governor Elder Sheriff Oborevwori led administration. According to Nze Onuora successive local government's administrations have made their contributions to the people at the grassroot with the State Governor Rt, Honorable Sheriff Oborevwori recently giving accolades to some of the outgone local government Council Chairmen for impacting positively on their people. Going by this development, it is expedient that a...
Read more