It was jubilation galore on Saturday, 16 November 2024, in Ode-Itsekiri, the ancestral home of the Itsekiri people, as the 2024 Delta Ethnic Peace and Unity Football Tournament was officially declared open.
The ancient town, also known as ‘Big Warri’, played host to an elaborate flag-off ceremony that drew dignitaries and ex-football internationals.
The event featured notable former football stars, including Sam Sodje, Edema Fuludu, and Bright Omokaro, who graced the opening match.
Other dignitaries in attendance included Hon. Kenneth Nwaomucha, chairman of the Local Organising Committee, alongside representatives of Ode-Itsekiri such as Hon. E.A.E. Otare Aja, Comr. Ejoh Dimas, and Emma Ogungbemi, among others.
The Delta Ethnic Peace and Unity Cup is organised by the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ) in collaboration with the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC).
During the flag-off, Chief Sheriff Mulade, CEPEJ’s National Coordinator, highlighted the tournament’s objective: fostering peace and unity among Delta State’s ethnic nationalities.
Mulade stated, “This competition, spanning over 10 years, promotes tolerance and development.
“The 16 November date coincides with the United Nations International Day of Tolerance, emphasising the importance of peace.”
Mulade also expressed gratitude to Ode-Itsekiri for hosting the event and urged stakeholders to support the initiative.
He added, “This tournament is not just about football; it is a platform for promoting development, empowerment, and unity across our communities.”
The Executive Chairman of Ode-Itsekiri, Anthony Odonghanro, commended the organisers for selecting the community as the host.
Odonghanro lamented the underutilisation of the world-class Ode-Itsekiri football pitch built by former Nigeria Football Federation chairman Amaju Pinnick and called for renewed enthusiasm for sports in the area.
Ex-international, Edema Fuludu praised the initiative, linking football to unity and youth development.
Fuludu stated, “Football has the power to unite. It stopped the Nigerian Civil War during Pele’s visit.
“It is a tool to combat drug abuse, instil leadership qualities, and empower youth to achieve greatness by abiding by rules.”
The opening novelty match ended with the Ijaw/Itsekiri team defeating the Isoko/Ndokwa/Urhobo/Ika team 2-0.
The match also marked the first time Ijaw and Itsekiri players teamed up on the same side.
The tournament officially kicks off on Sunday, 17 November, with 24 teams from six ethnic nationalities competing for a grand prize of N5 million.
The grand finale is scheduled for Sunday, 8 December 2024, at Oreorokpe, Okpe LGA.
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