UYO – Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Aniekan Umanah, has thrown his weight behind the ARISE Peace Choir Competition, describing it as a strategic initiative that aligns with Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda of fostering peace, unity and sustainable development across the state.
Umanah gave the endorsement on Tuesday when the competition’s organising committee, led by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Creative Talents Development, Mr. Emmanuel Owuala, paid him a courtesy visit at the Idongesit Nkanga Secretariat, Uyo.
The Commissioner commended the vision behind the project, noting that the use of music as a tool for promoting peace and social harmony was both innovative and timely as political activities begin to gather momentum ahead of future elections.
According to him, Governor Umo Eno has consistently demonstrated commitment to peaceful coexistence, inclusive governance and godly leadership, stressing that initiatives capable of strengthening unity among citizens deserve government support.
“Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda is founded on peace, unity and shared prosperity because meaningful development can only thrive in a peaceful environment.
“The ARISE Peace Choir Competition speaks directly to that vision. It is encouraging to see people using music to proclaim peace across our state at a time when political activities are gathering momentum,” Umanah stated.
He further noted that as a servant of God, the Governor believes in the power of worship and collective prayer, adding that declarations of peace rooted in faith can help calm tensions and foster stability within society.
Earlier, Owuala explained that the competition was conceived as a statewide peace campaign aimed at uniting the people of Akwa Ibom through the universal language of music.
He disclosed that the initiative, being organised in collaboration with the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Religious Matters, Pastor Joe Linus, is designed as a faith-driven movement that promotes peaceful coexistence, responsible citizenship and violence-free elections.
“The ARISE Peace Choir Competition is a spiritual movement for peace. We want every community in Akwa Ibom to become a voice for unity by singing one message ‘Peace Be Still.’
“As election activities begin, we believe music can soften hearts, discourage violence and remind our people that democracy flourishes best in an atmosphere of peace,” Owuala said.
Also speaking, Secretary of the Organising Committee, Hon. Justin Ekong, described the competition as a platform for youth engagement and grassroots mobilisation for peace.
He said the initiative would encourage young people to reject violence, embrace dialogue and serve as ambassadors of peace in their respective local government areas.
“Young people are at the centre of this project because they are critical to building a peaceful society.
Beyond discovering choral talents, we are building a culture of unity that will benefit the state long after the elections,” Ekong stated.
The competition, themed “Peace Be Still,” is inspired by Mark 4:39, where Jesus calmed a storm with the words, “Peace, be still.”
Organisers said the theme serves as a spiritual declaration against violence, division and social unrest.
The event will feature one classical choir from each of the 31 local government areas of the state. Participating choirs will perform the compulsory song “Peace Be Still,” originally written by Mary Ann Baker in 1784, alongside creative renditions promoting unity, peaceful elections, good governance and love.
The competition is expected to commence with registration and screening exercises before progressing through senatorial district contests, semi-finals and the grand finale slated for September 18, 2026.
Organisers expressed optimism that the initiative would reach thousands of residents with messages of peace, strengthen social cohesion, promote violence-free elections and showcase Akwa Ibom’s rich choral heritage while reinforcing the values of tolerance, dialogue and democratic participation.
