BY RITA OYIBOKA

The second edition of the Ukwuani Peace and Unity Cup has commenced with an entertaining 2-2 draw between Amai Ward 6 and Ebedei Ward 3, setting the stage for a grassroots football festival designed to promote peace, unity and youth development across Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State.

The competition, sponsored by Kortch Consult Limited, brings together teams from the 10 wards of the local government area, using football as a platform to strengthen community relations, discover young talents and encourage peaceful coexistence.

The tournament, which kicked off on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at the Obiaruku Grammar School Field, is scheduled to end on December 29, with participating teams competing for a trophy and cash prizes.

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The opening fixture lived up to expectations as Amai Ward 6 and Ebedei Ward 3 displayed attacking flair, determination and impressive football skills to share the points in a keenly contested encounter.

Speaking at the event, the Delta State Commissioner for Finance, Chief Fidelis Tilije, reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration to sustaining peace, unity and security across the state.

Tilije described sports as a powerful instrument for promoting peaceful coexistence and community development, noting that sporting activities could bring people together, particularly young people, irrespective of their community affiliations.

He commended the organisers for introducing an initiative capable of strengthening relationships among the various wards of Ukwuani, describing the competition as a welcome development in the history of the local government area.

The commissioner expressed optimism that the tournament would foster a stronger spirit of togetherness among the people while encouraging young people to embrace positive engagements.

He also applauded the sponsor for its commitment, support and effective organisation of the competition, noting the importance of private-sector participation in initiatives that promote peace and youth development.

The organiser of the tournament and leader of Kortch Consult Limited, Mr Ifukor Chukunweike, said the competition was conceived to promote peace, unity and development across the 10 wards of Ukwuani.

According to him, the initiative is intended to strengthen relationships among communities and create an avenue for residents to come together through their shared passion for football.

The chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Mr Adams Chukwunalu, disclosed that the winning team would receive N3 million, while the second-placed team would get N2 million and the third-placed team N1 million.

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In addition to the prizes for the top three teams, every other participating ward will receive N150,000.

Participants and other stakeholders at the opening ceremony commended the initiative and urged the competing teams to uphold sportsmanship, discipline, mutual respect and fair play throughout the competition.