Nigeria Celebrates the 2026 International Day of Peace: Investing in Peace for Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day.

September 21, 2026

REPORT OF 2026 UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE CELEBRATION IN NIGERIA BY MAY PEACE PREVAIL ON EARTH INTERNATIONAL AT THE CORPORATE RESIDENCE BY ENCHELON HOTEL, WILLIAM JUMBO STREET, OLD GRA, PORT HARCOURT, RIVER STATE, NIGERIA, ON MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2026.

BY MOJIMA ETOKUDO, NIGERIA PEACE REPRESENTATIVE.

It’s been a great journey of organizing World Peace Day in Nigeria since 2003 to date in many parts of Nigeria, presenting Peace Pole Awards to Peace Ambassadors and planting Peace Poles in public schools, religious grounds, king palaces, and Government sites, where many people see and read the universal prayer for world peace: MAY PEACE PREVAIL ON EARTH.

I also traveled to Sierra Leone, Israel, and Palestine some years ago with Desktop Peace Poles and awarded people, even in foreign countries, and it’s been amazing connecting with people from all walks of life through the message of Peace.

The week week long activities was filled with meaningful engagements, cultural interactions, learning experiences and moments that reinforced the importance of peace as a shared responsibility with the global theme INVEST IN PEACE for Everyone, Everywhere, Everyday.

We printed customized Exercise Books and other educational materials with the message May Peace Prevail on Earth and we visited many schools, including a Muslim school, and shared the items free of charge in many States of Nigeria.

PEACE POLE PLANTING AT THE KING’S PALACE

The 6ft Iron Peace Pole was planted at the palace on Friday, 18th September 2026, where the Paramount Ruler of Emohua and President General of Ogbakor Ikwerre Cultural Organization Worldwide, His Royal Majesty, King Barr. Godspower Onuekwa, JP, Ph.D., Amb. P, and other traditional rulers witnessed the Peace Pole planting ceremony.  A desktop Peace Pole with MAY PEACE PREVAIL ON EARTH in the Ikwere language, UDNO MUKWASI N’ OWA, was presented to the king during the ceremony.

The Peace Pole planting also provided an opportunity to appreciate the rich cultural heritage and traditional institution of the Ikwerre people, and they were excited to have their local language inscribe on the Peace Pole.

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE

The World Peace Day took place on Monday, 21st September 2026, the day designated by the United Nations to commemorate the International Day of Peace.

The celebration, hosted by May Peace Prevail on Earth International, was held at Corporate Residence by Echelon Hotel, William Jumbo Road, Old GRA, Port Harcourt City, Rivers State.

The event brought together individuals from different backgrounds who share a common commitment to the promotion of peace and peaceful coexistence.

Among the distinguished personalities at the event were  Mr. Cliff Jarrel of the United States of America, a missionary in Nigeria who served as Chairman of the Function and Alhaji Imam Murtala Bamidele as co-chairman; and Mr. Moffat Ekoriko, Publisher, News Africa London, United Kingdom, who served as Keynote Presenter and Guest Speaker, His Royal Majesty King Barr Godspower Onuekwa PhD who served as Royal Father of the day and Dr Godwin Kave/ Ini Jimmy Chairman/ Secretary of the steering committee amongst others. 

Muslim and Christian schoolchildren join together to hold a World Peace ceremony, raising national flags to pray for peace.

World Peace Day has been covered by the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Nigeria’s national TV, radio stations, and national newspapers.

The celebration was held under the inspiring theme: “Invest in Peace: For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day.”

The theme was particularly significant because it presents peace not merely as an abstract aspiration, but as an investment that requires deliberate, consistent and collective action.

Peace requires investment in people, education, justice, dialogue, tolerance, responsible leadership and inclusive communities. It requires individuals to make conscious choices that reduce conflict and promote understanding in their everyday interactions.

AWARD OF PEACE POLE TO 22 PEACE ENTHUSIASTS.

The following 22 Peace enthusiasts received Peace Pole Award, Medals, Peace Button, Peace Stickers and Certificate as  AMBASSADORS OF PEACE.

1. His Royal Highness Akuku Akpan Aniekan Udoakpakpan  
2. Alhaji HALLIRU IMAM KASIM 
3. Engr. Dr. Akaninyene Joshua  
4. His Royal Highness  Chief Moses Ihomver Hanior, a traditional ruler of Tiv in Benue State 
5. His Royal Highness Chief Daniel Ayua Abomtse, a traditional ruler of the Buruku kingdom 
6. Her Royal Majesty Dame Barr Ann Chikanele Onuekwa 
7. Engr Victor Agbogidi 
8. ILENIKHENAN NOBLE OSEZIBUE 
9. Alhaji ALIYU ABDULHAMID 
10. Alhaji HUSSAINI MADAKI ISA, a Muslim traditional ruler.
11. Hon Victor Torsar Ormin, a Mayor of Gwer West Local Government, Benue State, Nigeria.
12. Dr Israel Mfon Ben, a medical consultant 
13. Sir Anthony Mgbomo 
14. Engr Dr. Theophilus Terkura Ukaa 
15. Apostle Dr. Blessed A E. Oroh 
16. Dr. Chuku DENNE CHINOGONUM, a University lecturer 
17. His Excellency Sir SIMINALAYI FUBARA, the Governor of River State, Nigeria 
18. Hon. Martins Esin, a federal parliamentarian 
19. Engr Emmanuel Peter Udoudo  
20.  Mr. Moffat Ekoriko  the publisher, News Africa, London United Kingdom 
21. Amb Engr Samuel Rufus Johnnie 
22. Hon Sunday Festus Akpan a Mayor of Oruk Anam local government of Akwa Ibom State.

The Peace Pole award ceremony therefore added another important dimension to the celebration: the recognition and encouragement of people who are making a difference, regardless of their religious background and culture.

Peace song was sang by all participants and speeches was received by guests. 

The video message from the President of May Peace Prevail on Earth International, Rika Yoshikawa, was shown; the Executive Director, Fumi Johns, was heard; as well as my address and the UN Secretary-General’s message. 

PLANS FOR 2027 WORLD PEACE DAY AND OTHER PEACE ACTIVITIES BY MAY PEACE PREVAIL ON EARTH INTERNATIONAL.

We look forward to a greater event in 2027, and we look forward to having the President and the Executive Director and your team in Nigeria and the continent of Africa share with us as we celebrate oneness of humanity.

May Peace Prevail on Earth.

Sincerely,
Mojima Etokudo
Nigeria Peace Representative 
May Peace Prevail on Earth International.