The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Nsibiet John, has thrown his weight behind the ARISE Peace Choir Competition 2026, calling it a timely move that will promote peace, unity and spiritual renewal across the state.
He made the endorsement when members of the Central Planning Committee, led by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Creative Talents Development, Emmanuel Owuala, paid him a courtesy visit in Uyo. The competition is being organised in collaboration with the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Religious Matters, Rev. Joe Linus.
Comrade John told his guests that peace begins with understanding, respect and good relationships, noting that people can hold different opinions without becoming enemies. He said the competition comes at just the right time, as it encourages citizens to embrace peace and unity.
He commended the organisers for using music as a spiritual exercise to strengthen faith, inspire love and forgiveness, and promote peaceful coexistence, adding that the initiative fits well with Governor Pastor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda, which promotes peace, unity and sustainable development.
Speaking during the visit, Owuala said: “As we approach the 2027 elections, this competition reminds us that our greatest victory is not political, but peaceful coexistence. We want every Akwaibomite to become an ambassador of peace through music, prayer and unity.”
Earlier, the Secretary of the Central Planning Committee, Rt. Hon. Justin Ekong, said the competition, themed “Peace Be Still,” would bring together choirs from all 31 local government areas of the state to spread the message of peace through music ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He disclosed that the senatorial district eliminations would begin in August, leading to the semi-finals and grand finale in Uyo in September 2026, where finalists will battle it out for the N5 million grand prize.
The event is being supported by the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Nester Multimedia, New Dawn Microfinance Bank, and Hensek Integrated Services Ltd.
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