Rev Dr. Ndueso Ekwere Backs ARISE PEACE Choir Competition, Seeks Peaceful Coexistence

Saturday July 11, 2026
www.thenewsdesk.ng

The Honorary Special Adviser to the Akwa Ibom State Governor on Religious Matters, Rev. (Dr.) Ndueso Essien, has endorsed the ARISE Peace Choir Competition, describing it as a strategic initiative aimed at promoting peace, unity, and harmonious coexistence across the state.

Rev. Essien gave the endorsement when the organising committee of the competition, led by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Religious Matters, Pastor Joe Linus, paid him a courtesy visit in Uyo.

He said the initiative aligns with Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda, which places a premium on peace, inclusive governance, human capital development, and sustainable development.

The cleric noted that the Church has a critical role to play in fostering reconciliation, love, and peaceful coexistence, stressing that sustainable development can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace and unity.

According to him, the ARISE Peace Choir Competition provides a unique platform to promote the values of peace, inspire hope, and strengthen the bonds among communities across Akwa Ibom State.

“The ARISE Peace Choir Competition is a platform for preaching peace, strengthening unity, inspiring hope, and reminding our people that we all have a role to play in building a stable and prosperous Akwa Ibom. As the Church, we will continue to support every initiative that promotes harmony and reflects the values of Christ,” he said.

Rev. Essien urged churches across the 31 local government areas of the state to participate actively in the competition and use the platform to spread the message of peace, responsible citizenship, and love for one another.

Earlier, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Religious Matters, Pastor Joe Linus, said the ARISE Peace Choir Competition, organised in collaboration with the Special Assistant to the Governor on Creative Talents Development, Emmanuel Owuala, was conceived as a statewide peace campaign designed to use gospel music to foster unity, responsible citizenship, and peaceful democratic participation across Akwa Ibom.

He added that the competition, themed “Peace Be Still,” will feature one classical choir from each of the state’s 31 local government areas, with the grand finale scheduled for September 18, 2026.