The National Coordinator of the Center for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ) and the Ibe-Serimowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom in the Warri South-West council area, Chief Mulade Sheriff, has disclosed that the purpose of establishing the Africa 4 Peace Games Village is "to engage the mindset of the youths" in order to enhance their productivity and to promote peace in the state.

Recall that the Africa 4 Peace Games Village, which is situated at Ugolo in Osubi, Okpe council area of the State, was officially opened to the public on February 14, 2025.

The state of the art sporting, gym and relaxation facility boasts of both indoor games such as snookers, table tennis, chess, scrabble, and outdoor games like USA air hockey, a 5-a-side football pitch, basketball and volleyball court, gym centre, children’s bouncing castles and swimming pool, among others.

Among some of the guests that graced the opening ceremony are the Orodje of ancient Okpe Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Major General Mujakperuo Agho (Rtd), Orhue 1, who is also the Chairman of Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers; the National President of Mini-Football Association, Alhaji Datti Umar Yusuf; an entrepreneur from Bayelsa State, Amb. Ebi-owei Eke; Nigerian internationals Victor Ikpeba and Sam Sodje, among others.

Speaking on the important objective of the facility, Chief Mulade, who is the Chairman of Delta State Mini-Football Association, stressed on using sports to promote peaceful coexistence, to keep fit and to discover talents.

"This games village comprises all small kind of games that you can think of. And what we try to do is to engage the mindset of the youth so that the youths will not be involved in vices that will create unrest for us in the state. And so, as a sport lover, I decided to create this to give the opportunity to our youth, and those who have played and retired from major sports," he added.

"The importance of fitness is very, very important at this time. And that's why when you look at the developed nation, you see they are involved deeply into football and other kinds of games. But we try to emulate it by bringing it closer to our people. We know it's a small game village, but then this is first of its kind in Delta State and Niger Delta.

"This games village is also to build and to promote peace as well as peaceful coexistence among the people of Delta and beyond. We are not just expecting only Deltans to be here or only residents of this area. This games village is built for the people of Nigeria to enjoy themselves, to relax themselves and to experience games. And we intend to promote sports that people will emerge from here to become great sportsmen and women that will play for national and international," he added.

The opening day featured a tour around the facility and ended with a football game in the 5-a-side pitch to the delight of spectators in attendance.

While commending the host for putting up such a facility in the state, the national president of the Minifootball Association, Alhaji Datti, urged the host to leverage on collaboration in the area of sports in order to boost its success.

Also speaking, Ikpeba, who was a member of the Super Eagles team to the FIFA World Cups in 1994, hailed the passion demonstrated by Chief Mulade in engaging the youths through sports, while Amb. Eke emphasized the importance of sports to achieving fitness and good health.

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