UYO – The Akwa Ibom State Government has unveiled plans to host ‘ARISE’ Peace Choir Competition 2026.
The statewide initiative involving churches in the state, is aimed at promoting peace, unity, responsible citizenship, and talent development through music.
Speaking during the official launch at Government House Press Centre, Uyo, on Thursday, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Creative Talent Development, Mr. Emmanuel Owuala, said the competition is designed to harness the unifying power of music to sustain the peaceful atmosphere enjoyed in the state, while discovering and nurturing exceptional choral talents across the 31 Local Government Areas.
Owuala said the competition’s theme song, “Peace Be Still,” reflects Governor Umo Eno’s commitment to sustaining peace, especially as the state approaches another political season. He described the initiative as a call for citizens to become ambassadors of peace, unity, and harmony before, during, and after the elections.
According to him, each of the 31 Local Government Areas will present a choir to perform the compulsory theme song in a classical choral format, with creative interpretations centred on peace, love, national unity, peaceful elections, and good governance.
He noted that the competition seeks to encourage violence-free elections, promote civic responsibility, strengthen inter-community relationships, and showcase Akwa Ibom’s rich musical heritage.
The initiative is already receiving endorsements from the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Religious Matters, Pastor Joe Linus Okon; the State House Chapel Chaplain, Pastor Ini-Ima Umoh.
Others are: Managing Director of New Dawn Microfinance Bank, Mr. Emmanuel Daniels; Honorary Special Adviser on Creative Talent Development, Dr. Mrs. Aity Dennis; and Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Pastor A. B. Isong, who described the competition as a timely platform for fostering peace, youth empowerment, and creative excellence.
Registration for the upcoming competition opens immediately, with the competition progressing through screening, orientation, constituency contests, semi-finals, and a grand finale slated for September 18, 2026.
The competition offers a mouthwatering cash reward of ₦10 million prize money, with ₦5 million for the overall winner, ₦3 million for the first runner-up, and ₦2 million for the second runner-up respectively.
Special awards of ₦500,000 each will also be presented in four categories, while all participating choirs will receive certificates of participation.
Organisers expressed optimism that, the collaboration between government, religious institutions, and private-sector partners would establish the ‘ARISE’ Peace Choir Competition as a flagship platform for promoting peace, discovering musical talents, and strengthening unity across the State.
