The second edition of the Africa for Peace Sports Festival has officially wrapped up at the Africa 4 Peace Games Village and Gym Centre in Ugolo, Okpe Local Government Area, with organisers celebrating it as a major step toward strengthening inter-ethnic cooperation across the Niger Delta.
Over the course of one week, the festival brought together 32 teams competing in senior, junior and women’s divisions, attracting spectators from different parts of Delta State and neighbouring regions. The event featured athletes from diverse ethnic backgrounds, a blend organisers say highlights the cultural diversity and togetherness the festival seeks to promote.
Sheriff Mulade, Chairman of the Nigerian Mini Football Association (Delta State chapter) and National Coordinator of the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), reaffirmed the role of sports as a catalyst for harmony. He noted that the initiative aligns with ongoing government efforts to create safe spaces for youth, encourage social cohesion and stimulate community development.
Mulade disclosed that talent scouts from Lagos and Abuja attended the games, identifying standout young athletes who could be groomed for opportunities within the Delta State Football Commission and other sports networks. Beyond talent discovery, he said the festival provided a positive outlet for residents, encouraging healthy competition and strengthening community bonds.
According to Mulade, the festival’s atmosphere proved that “sport remains one of the strongest tools for building peace,” adding that the display of teamwork and sportsmanship demonstrated how shared aspirations can bridge ethnic divides.
The Africa for Peace Sports Festival is fast becoming part of a broader movement to leverage sports for regional development, mirroring the objectives of initiatives such as the Niger Delta Sports Festival, which focuses on youth empowerment and unity across the region’s nine states.
As this year’s edition concluded, organisers expressed confidence that the festival will continue to grow in size, influence and impact, fostering lasting peace and expanding opportunities for young athletes throughout the Niger Delta.
