The Chairman of the Delta State Councilors Forum and Leader of the Legislative Arm in Warri South-West Local Government Council, Rt. Hon. Ekpemupolo Idukedoumene Samuel, has called on Deltans to "work together beyond ethnic lines" in order to achieve peace, development and prosperity of Warri and the state at large.

Rt. Hon. Ekpemupolo gave the charge at the flag-off ceremony of the maiden edition of the Delta State Councilor's Solidarity Cup 2026 football competition, which has as its theme "Renewed Hope For MORE Agenda Through Grassroots Unity" at the Nana College in Warri on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

Delivering his opening address, the Leader of the Forum stresses on the importance of the competition in helping to strengthen bond across the grassroots leaders across the 25 local government areas.

He said, "Citizens of Delta State, we are not just gathered to watch football, we are gathered to make history as we kick-off the opening match of the first ever Delta State Councilor's Solidarity Cup.

"This tournament is a symbol of unity, solidarity, and friendship among Councilors across Delta State; it reflects our shared commitment as grassroots representatives to strengthen the bond among ourselves while promoting peace, youth engagement, and community development through sports.

"As Councilors, we remain the closest link between the government and the people. We understand the needs, the challenges, and aspirations of our communities because we live among them, and we represent these people.

"Through this initiative, we are demonstrating that leadership at the grassroots is not only about legislation, but also about unity, empowerment, and building stronger communities," he added.

Rt. Hon. Ekpemupolo further called on Deltans as a sport loving people to draw lessons from the game of football that requires teamwork for victory to be achieved, especially as the conversation in Warri has always been laced with ethnic division.

"At this time, when discussions about ethnic differences sometimes dominate our conversation in Warri, what we see here today tells a different story. They tell a different story at a powerful word at that. The teams you see on this field are made up of Councilors who are Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo. Yet today, they stand not as ethnic groups, but as a team with one purpose. They play together, to win together, to demonstrate that our diversity is our strength.

"Football teaches us a very important lesson for society. A team can only win when every player works together, no matter how talented an individual may be. Victory can only come through unity, cooperation, and collective effort. In this same way, the peace and development and prosperity of Warri and Delta State can only be achieved when we work together beyond ethnic lines for the benefit of our people and the future of our society.

"This call goes beyond football. It is a collaboration of unity, leadership, and collective strength of Councilors across Delta State. It is an opportunity to inspire our youth and demonstrate that leadership and craftsmanship can bring people together for peace and understanding and development," he stated.

The Chairman of the Councilors Forum praised the Governor of the state, Rt. Hon. Francis Oborevwori, for his visionary and purposeful leadership which he noted that "the impact of this administration is visible through the implementation of the MORE Agenda, which continues to deliver meaningful development, infrastructure, and opportunities for our people."

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