The grand finale of the ninth edition of the Olu of Warri Community Peace Cup 2024, a sports initiative aimed at rewarding talents and promoting peace among communities in Delta State, was wrapped up with the presentation of awards by the National Coordinator of the Center for Peace and Environmental Justice, CEPEJ, Chief Mulade Sheriff, and the Chairman of Itsekiri Interest Group, Comr. Gbubemi Awala.

Igbogidi community from Udu Local Government Area of the state emerged winner in the ninth edition of the tournament whose grand finale held at Nana College mini stadium, Government Reservation Area, Warri, on Sunday, August 11, 2024.

Among the 32 community teams that participated in the ninth edition of the Olu of Warri Community Peace Cup 2024 that was sponsored by the Iwere Sports Centre, Ubeji Community emerged runner-up (second place) while Ugborikoko Community and Efurokpe Community clinched third and fourth place, respectively.

Others community teams that participated include Iteribi, Ugbomorun, Otovwodo, Okere Urhobo, Ugbolopkoso, Ozoro, Iyede Isoko, Ugbuwangue, Enerhen, Orugbo, Ifie, Ekurede Urhobo, Owhe, Ubeji, Ughoton, Ugbokodo, Effurun Barracks, Ugbo Olaja, Ovwian, Ode-Itsekiri, Ogbe-Ijoh United, Abbi Isoko, Ugborodo, Koko, Ayakoromor, Sedico and Usele, with a team each from Imo State and Kogi State also taking part in the tournament.

In the course of the tournament, four different venues, namely Ubeji, Esisi rice farm, Yonwuren Grammar School and Nana Model College, Warri, were earmarked for the games.

Igbogidi Community team, winner of the tournament, went home with the Cup and the first prize money of N1,000,000 (one million naira) on defeating Ubeji Community 5-3 on penalty shoot-out after a 1-1 draw at full time.

Prize money of N500,000 was awarded to the second place winner, and N250,000 to the third place winner, while the best player of the tournament received N50,000, Fair Play Team and the Best Keeper of the tournament were awarded N50,000 and N30,000 respectively.

Speaking on the competition, a member of the Iwere Sports Center, Coach Toritseju Samuel posited that "The main objective is promoting unity and peace amongst community and teams within and around Warri in Delta State" and that the event is part of the "celebration of His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III CFR, the Olu of Warri Coronation Anniversary."

He appealed to the government and other stakeholders to give utmost priority to the development of grassroots sports, whose neglect he claimed has negatively affected performance of Nigerian athletes at the just concluded Olympic games.

"The truth is, Delta State has long been left behind when it comes to grassroots sport development. Through sports, we can develop grassroots and also promote unity and peace. So my message to government is for them to look back and see that the grassroots needs their attention, especially in sports. Looking at even the Olympics just now, we were so out of place because the grassroots was not carried along."

At the event, Comr. Awala, who presented the winners with cheques and medals, said it was a rear privilege for him to represent the Itsekiri Interest Group and to be a part of the prestigious Olu of Warri Community Peace Cup 2024 edition.

On his part, Chief Mulade, the Ibe-Serimowei of the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, thanked the organisers for putting up the tournament despite the economic challenges experienced in the country.

Speaking further, he highlighted the importance of sports in uniting the various ethnic nationalities in the state and the country at large as practically demonstrated in other national and foreign tournaments and as witnessed in the Olu of Warri Community Peace Cup 2024 Edition that has community football teams from other states participating in the ninth edition.

The award session of Olu of Warri Community Peace Cup 2024 edition also saw new award categories fashioned out to honour the Late Hon Justice Alfred Eyewumi Awala (JCA), who remains the highest ranking Judicial Official in the history of Warri Kingdom as the first and only Itsekiri judge to be appointed by a Nigerian President as a Justice of the Federal Court of Appeal.

Among some of the dignitaries in attendance are Prince Ejoh Dimas, Chairman, Association of Referees Council, Delta State Chapter; Oritsetemiyin Collins Edema, the Olu of Warri Palace Liaison Officer to NNPCL; Hon. E.A.E Igbiaye, Engr. Obido Lucky, Board Member, Delta State Football Association, DFA; and Rev. Happiness Uduomayemi.

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