The National Coordinator of the Center for Peace and Environmental Justice, CEPEJ, Chief Comrade Sheriff Mulade, has inaugurated a 10-man Local Organizing Committee, LOC, for the 2024 edition of the Delta State Ethnic Peace and Unity Cup Competition, formerly known as the Ijaw / Itsekiri Peace and Unity Football Tournament.

The inauguration of the LOC, chaired by the Delta State Football Association, DFA, and comprising of two representatives from the ethnic groups of Ijaw, Itsekiri, Isoko and Urhobo; and a representative from the Delta State Referees Association, DRA, took place at the Africa for Peace Center in Ugolo-Osubi.

Members are Hon. Kenneth Nwaomicha, Chairman, DFA; Susan Okoro, DRA; Ezonebi Aguanah, Jonathan Famutua, Toritseju Igbiaye, Akame Best, Ogaga Gordon, Odiete Matthew, Frederick Oteri, and Ohoeiemi Robor.

In his opening remark, the CEPEJ Boss congratulated the inaugurated members of the LOC and unveiled the prizes of the tournament totalling N5 million alongside consolidated prizes for winners of the 2024 edition. 

"I congratulate you all for being part of this great event and for accepting to join us in advocating for, and contributing our quota towards building a peaceful and sustainable environment in Delta State, especially among the Ijaw, Itsekiri, Urhobo and Isoko ethnic groups.

"You were selected because we believe that, going by your experiences as seasoned sports administrators and technocrats, you will make immense and significant contributions to the event.

"As LOC members you are charged with the responsibility to draw out modalities for the success of the event, mobilize stakeholders to participate through partnership with us, as well as select and screen the community based football teams from each ethnic group without being partial or biased," he added.

On the prizes for the 2024 edition of the tournament, Chief Mulade revealed that there are four prizes to be awarded to winners of the competition with other consolidated prizes.

"It is imperative to use this medium to announce to the general public, particularly Deltans, that a total of Five Million Naira only with consolidated prizes will be given to winners of the 2024 Delta Ethnic Peace and Unity Football Tournament with a breakdown of 1st Prize N2M, 2nd Prize N1.5M, 3rd Prize N1M and 4th Prize N500,000," he disclosed.

The Delta State Ethnic Peace and Unity Football Tournament is a biennial football competition organized by CEPEJ and sponsored by Chief Mulade to promote peaceful coexistence and unity among Ijaw, Itsekiri, Isoko and Urhobo ethnic groups in Delta State, particularly after the conflict and crisis that erupted in Warri and environs some years ago.

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