ABUJA — Religious leaders, traditional institutions, peace advocates, youth representatives and other stakeholders are expected to converge in Abuja on 22 September 2026 for the National Religious Leaders Peace and Security Summit (NRLPASS) 2026, a national dialogue focused on strengthening peace, security, religious harmony, national unity and social cohesion.
The summit is scheduled to commence at 10:00 a.m. at NICON Luxury Hotel, Abuja, behind the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre.
According to the organisers, the initiative is designed to provide a constructive platform for religious and traditional leaders, community representatives and other stakeholders to exchange ideas, promote responsible leadership and develop practical approaches to preventing violence, intolerance, hatred and social division.
The summit will be held under the theme:
“Uniting Faith Leaders for Peace, Security, National Unity and Sustainable Development.”
The organisers are also advancing a simple but powerful message:
“Stop Preaching Hatred, Preach Peace for a Greater and Safer Society.”
The summit is intended as a non-partisan, civic and peacebuilding initiative, with emphasis on the responsibility of religious and traditional institutions to contribute positively to society.
Among the expected participants and speakers are prominent Islamic cleric Sheikh Muhammadu Nura Khalid, His Most Serene Majesty Igwe Aro-Ovuonye Nando (Uchechukwu Obiajulu Sakar), an Igbo traditional custodian, and Rev. Dr. Princewill Ireoba, National Interfaith Director, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), alongside other religious, traditional, youth and peacebuilding stakeholders.
RELIGIOUS LEADERS AS TOOLS FOR NATION-BUILDING
Speaking on the vision behind the initiative, the Convener of NRLPASS 2026, Bishop Ugokwe Ugochukwu Prince, of Yoke Breakers Prophetic Ministry, Abuja, and President of the Christian Muslims Love Lead and Care Foundation, described the summit as a civic and humanitarian effort to encourage peace, reconciliation and national unity.
He said:
«“I see this assignment as part of my prophetic ministry and calling from God. Every prophet has a God-given assignment; mine includes standing for national peace, reconciliation and unity among people of different faiths and communities.”»
He added:
«“Without peace, there can be no safe place to worship, work, raise our families or build our nation. This is why I have accepted this responsibility—not merely as an event, but as a service to humanity and our beloved Nigeria.”»
The Convener further emphasised the responsibility of religious leaders in shaping the attitudes and values of society.
«“Religious leaders should be tools for nation-building, not nation-scattering. Our words, our pulpits and our influence should bring people together, promote peace and strengthen our communities—not create division, hatred or conflict.”»
He stressed that every place of worship should contribute to peaceful coexistence.
«“Every holy ground and sacred place of worship—whether a church, mosque or other recognised place of worship—should be a sanctuary of peace, love, compassion, moral guidance and hope. We must teach our followers to respect one another, protect human dignity and work together for a greater and safer society.”»
PEACE AND SECURITY AS A COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY
The organisers maintain that national security is not solely the responsibility of the military, police and other security agencies. Religious institutions, traditional authorities, families, community leaders, civil society organisations and young people also have important roles to play.
The summit will therefore explore how dialogue, early intervention, responsible communication, peace education, community engagement and interfaith cooperation can complement conventional security measures.
Particular attention will be given to youth engagement and orientation, recognising the important role young Nigerians can play in preventing violence, promoting tolerance and building stronger communities.
The programme will also recognise individuals and institutions whose contributions have advanced peacebuilding, religious harmony, community development and national security.
IN COMMEMORATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS PRAYER FOR NATIONS
The organisers said the 2026 summit is being held in commemoration of the United Nations Prayer for Nations, observed annually on 21 September, as part of a broader call for peace, unity and peaceful coexistence among peoples and nations around the world.
According to the National Central Planning Committee Chairperson, Queen Esther Ajuzie, the commemoration provides an opportunity to remind Nigerians that peace is a shared responsibility that extends beyond religious, ethnic and community boundaries.
She said the summit would provide an opportunity for people from different faiths and backgrounds to strengthen relationships, exchange ideas and encourage practical initiatives that can promote peaceful coexistence and national development.
A CALL FOR RESPONSIBLE FAITH LEADERSHIP
The organisers are inviting religious leaders, traditional rulers, peace advocates, youth and women leaders, civil society organisations, community representatives and other stakeholders to participate in the dialogue.
The summit seeks to encourage religious institutions to use their platforms responsibly and to ensure that messages delivered in places of worship contribute to peace rather than fear, hatred or division.
The organisers believe that when religious and traditional leaders work together, their influence can help strengthen communities, reduce tensions and promote mutual respect among Nigerians.
NRLPASS 2026 is therefore expected to provide a platform for meaningful conversations on the role of faith and traditional institutions in promoting peaceful coexistence, responsible leadership, community resilience, national unity and security.
The organisers expressed the hope that the outcome of the summit will translate into practical, community-based efforts capable of strengthening trust, cooperation and peaceful relationships across Nigeria.
ABOUT NRLPASS 2026
The National Religious Leaders Peace and Security Summit (NRLPASS) 2026 is a peacebuilding and interfaith initiative focused on encouraging religious and traditional leaders to contribute constructively to peace, security, national unity and sustainable development.
The summit is convened by Bishop Ugokwe Ugochukwu Prince and supported by stakeholders committed to peaceful coexistence and responsible leadership.
Date: Tuesday, 22 September 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Venue: NICON Luxury Hotel, Abuja
Theme: “Uniting Faith Leaders for Peace, Security, National Unity and Sustainable Development.”
ENDS
Issued by:
National Central Planning Committee
National Religious Leaders Peace and Security Summit (NRLPASS) 2026..
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