‘We’ll use sports to cement inter-ethnic unity in N’Delta’

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The Chairman of the Delta State chapter of the Nigerian Mini Football Association, Sheriff Mulade, has stated that the continued promotion of inter-ethnic sports competition would further cement unity and peaceful coexistence among the various communities in the Niger Delta region.

Mulade who is also the National Coordinator of the Center for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), made the assertions at the grand finale of the second edition of the Africa For Peace Sports Festival held on Monday at the Africa 4 Peace Games Village and Gym Center, Ugolo in the Okpe Local Government Area of Delta.

He noted that the sports festival was “aimed at complementing the efforts of the state government in creating an enabling environment for investment and to promote talents of the youth”.

Mulade expressed delight that “the festival delivered excitement across all categories as 32 teams battled for medals in the senior and junior divisions while the women’s category produced competitive third-place and final encounters”.

Mulade, the Ibe-Sorimowei of the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom added, “The sports festival complements all the various sports activities organized by Delta State and the national governments. What we are doing is creating an enabling environment for the immediate communities and the people within Warri and environs to enjoy themselves, have some relaxation.

“When you look at the sport, you will agree with me that we have been able to use this to impact the Delta State Football Commission, which have helped the state government to also identify some good players.

“All over the world, the importance of football or sports cannot be overemphasized. This is one of the unifying factors. It is one of the tools you can use to cement, build and unite a people.

“At this pitch now, you can agree with me that there is no ethnic challenges. All the various ethnic groups in Delta and beyond, are all playing.

“And that is why we have some international scouts who came in from Lagos and Abuja. They have been here for this period, and they have been able to identify some good, talented, young players that can be used”.

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