Rotary Peace Summit 2026 to address governance, justice, national security in Nigeria

The All Nigeria Rotary Peace Summit 2026 is set to bring together international peacebuilding experts, academics, security professionals, policymakers and civil society leaders to explore practical approaches to addressing Nigeria’s peace and development challenges.

The summit, scheduled for Saturday, November 7, 2026, at the Victoria Garden Event Centre, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, from 9:00 a.m., will be held under the theme, “Good Governance, Justice and Equity: Foundations for Sustainable Peace.”

With the sub-theme, “From Dialogue to Action: Forging a Sustainable Peace Legacy in Nigeria,” the event is expected to move beyond discussions to develop actionable recommendations, strengthen partnerships and secure stakeholder commitments towards sustainable peace.

The keynote address will be delivered by Lea Perekrests, Director of Partnerships at the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), on “Global Perspectives on Good Governance, Justice and Equity as Foundations for Sustainable Peace.”

Scheduled for 10:35 a.m., the presentation will examine how effective institutions, inclusive governance and equitable societies contribute to lasting peace, while offering international perspectives on Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen social cohesion and build resilient communities.

The first panel, “Governance, Justice, Equity and National Cohesion,” will be moderated by Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, Director-General of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR).

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Panellists include Rear Admiral (Rtd.) Elkana Oyeleye Jaiyeola, intelligence practitioner, naval officer and security expert; Dr. Diamond Preye Nebechukwu, Director of the Abdulmalik Abubakar Institute for Peace and Sustainable Development Studies (AAIPSDS); and Professor Richard Aborishade, Professor of Criminology at Olabisi Onabanjo University.

The discussion will focus on the relationship between accountable governance, access to justice, equitable development and national unity, with emphasis on institutional accountability, governance challenges and rebuilding public confidence in national institutions.

The session will feature expert presentations, moderated discussions and audience contributions, culminating in recommendations for strengthening national cohesion.

The second panel, “Security, Inclusion and the Future of Peace in Nigeria,” will be moderated by Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, an entrepreneur, administrator, farmer, communication specialist, journalist and Rotarian.

Panellists are Kaltumi Abdulazeez, humanitarian activist and advocate for women, girls and marginalised communities; Oyebisi B. Oluseyi, Executive Director of The Nigeria Network of NGOs; and Dr. Samuel Ajiye.

The panel will examine how inclusive participation, community engagement, civil society collaboration and security interventions can promote peace, with particular attention to the contributions of women, young people, vulnerable communities and non-governmental organisations to sustainable peacebuilding.

The summit convener, Yinka Babalola, President of Rotary International, will deliver an address on peacebuilding in Nigeria and formally declare the event open.

His participation underscores Rotary’s commitment to peacebuilding, conflict prevention, dialogue and international understanding.

The programme will also feature goodwill messages from representatives of youth organisations, women’s groups, security institutions and the diplomatic community, including Mr. Abisogun Akinbode, National President of JCI Nigeria; Dr. Kunbi Wuraola, Convener of Women on a Mission; Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu; and H.E. Anna Westerholm, Ambassador of Sweden to Nigeria.

A major highlight will be the session, “From Dialogue to Action — Key Recommendations from Stakeholders, Commitments and Peace Legacy Agenda,” coordinated by PDG Wole Kukoyi.

The session will provide stakeholders with an opportunity to identify concrete commitments arising from the discussions. It will also feature the signing of a Peace Legacy Accord and Agenda, alongside the presentation of a summit declaration and communiqué outlining agreed resolutions and follow-up actions.

Organisers said the initiative is designed to transform the summit’s deliberations into a sustainable framework for continued engagement and collective action.

The summit is expected to provide a platform for collaboration among Rotary leaders, government institutions, peacebuilding professionals, security agencies, development organisations and civil society groups.

Through dialogue, shared expertise and collective commitment, the gathering seeks to reinforce the importance of good governance, justice, equity and inclusion as essential pillars of sustainable peace in Nigeria.