The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Akwa Ibom State Branch, has commenced final preparations for its 2026 United Nations International Day of Peace Strategic Summit and Award Ceremony scheduled to hold in Uyo.
The summit, slated for Monday, September 21, 2026, will take place at the Complex Hall, Bishop James Moynagh Pastoral Centre, 5 Dominic Utuk Avenue, Uyo, from 10:00am.
The event will be held under the global theme, “Invest in Peace – For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day,” with a state-specific theme, “Peaceful Politics, Credible 2027 Elections in Akwa Ibom State.”
According to CDHR, the summit is designed to mobilise stakeholders and promote dialogue, tolerance and issue-based political engagement as the state prepares for the 2027 general elections.
The organisation said sustainable peace must be deliberately built before, during and after elections, particularly through the involvement of political parties, security agencies, civil society groups, traditional institutions, youths and other stakeholders.
The summit is also expected to feature discussions on preventing electoral violence, with CDHR planning to facilitate the signing of a Peace Accord by political parties in Akwa Ibom State ahead of the 2027 elections.
Among dignitaries invited to the event are Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, who is expected to serve as Special Guest of Honour and Chief Award Presenter; Catholic Bishop of Uyo Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. John Ebebe Ayah, as Father of the Day; and Prof. James Asuquo, Chairman of the Occasion.
Also expected are the Chairman of the CDHR Board of Trustees, Barr. Femi Falana, SAN, CON, as Chief Host, and Group Captain Sam Ewang (rtd), former Military Administrator of Ogun and Rivers States, who will deliver the keynote address.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Akwa Ibom, heads of security agencies, traditional rulers, political party chairmen, civil society organisations, the NBA, NUJ, faith-based organisations, women and youth groups are also expected to participate.
The occasion will further feature the presentation of awards to individuals described by the organisation as Distinguished Patriots of Peace and Humanitarian Service, in recognition of their contributions to peace and community development.
CDHR State Chairman, Comrade Ndifreke Afangide, called on the media, corporate organisations and well-meaning Akwa Ibom residents to support the initiative.
He said the summit was aimed at ensuring that preparations for the 2027 elections are anchored on peace, tolerance and credible political participation.
“A peaceful 2027 begins with the decisions we make today,” the organisation said.
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