The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt, is set to host prominent personalities from government, academia, traditional institutions, business and religious organizations today as activities marking the 2026 Democracy Day Celebration, the Day of the African Child (DAC) and the 10th Day of the Muslim New Year 1448AH (Ashura) reach their grand finale.
The event, scheduled for 2 p.m., is being organized by Treasury Ventures, publishers of Achievers World International Magazine, Asiwaju Trumpet, NIMMA International Magazine, Kwara People Magazine and Stop Violence Magazine. The programme will feature keynote lectures, goodwill messages and the presentation of awards to individuals recognized for their contributions to peacebuilding, cultural harmony, grassroots development and nation-building.
Among the special guests expected at the event is the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, Mr. Olugbenga Adepoju, who will deliver a lecture on security, public safety and community partnership in crime prevention. Also expected to address participants is Professor Abdul-Rasaq Kilani of the University of Port Harcourt, who will present a keynote paper titled “Democracy in Religion: Islam in Rivers State.” Sheikh Lukman Akintoye, Chief Missioner of NASFAT, Port Harcourt Branch, will speak on the growth and development of Islam in Rivers State.
One of the major highlights of the ceremony will be the conferment of awards on distinguished Nigerians. The Mayor of Port Harcourt City, Hon. Sir Allwell Ihunda, has been nominated for the City Man of the Year Award in recognition of what organizers described as his responsive leadership and grassroots-oriented governance. Also nominated under the Pillar of Grassroots Development Award category are the Executive Chairman of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area, Hon. James O. James, the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, and the Executive Chairman of Khana Local Government Area, Chief Hon. Dr. Thomas Bariere.
Traditional rulers will also be honoured during the event. The Oba Yoruba of Rivers State, HRH King Dr. Adekunle Bright Alabi, and the Seriki Hausawa of Rivers State, HRH Hussaini Isa Madaki, are to receive the Pillar of Peace and Culture Award for their roles in promoting peaceful coexistence, cultural preservation and inter-ethnic harmony. Widely known as “Super Mum,” Hajia Rahmat Omolara Abdulsalam will be honoured with the Ambassador of Peace and Cultural Development Award for her contributions to humanitarian service, peacebuilding and community empowerment.
The programme is expected to attract prominent Muslim leaders, including the Leader of the Rivers State Muslim Council, Alhaji Nasir Awhelebe Uhor, Vice President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and Chairman of the Association of South-South Muslim Ummah of Nigeria, Alhaji Ahmed O.B. Adisa; and the Chairman of the Yoruba Muslim Association of Rivers State, Alhaji Haliru Imam. Pastor Paul Damgbor, former Acting General Manager of Rivers State Television, is also expected to deliver a goodwill message.
Other notable nominees include Comrade Paul Bazia and Dr. Ijeoma Acholonu, celebrated as the first female Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council. Several business leaders and stakeholders in the oil and gas sector, among them Mr Abdul Majeed Yahaya Oloriegbe (SAN), Alhaji Taiwo Mustapha, Dr. Musliudeen Okesina, Alhaji Abdul-Wakeel Oladosu, Alhaji Lukman Adigun, Alhaji Muritala Mustapha and Alhaji Opeyemi Mustapha, are also expected to attend.
Speaking ahead of the event, the Publisher and Chief Executive Officer of Treasury Ventures, Hon. Abdul-Hameed Oladipupo Alli (Mr. Nigeria), said the ceremony was designed to celebrate exemplary leadership while promoting peace, unity, cultural diversity, youth development and responsible nation-building.
According to the organizers, the gathering represents a unique convergence of democracy, culture, youth development and interfaith harmony, reflecting Nigerians’ aspirations for peace, progress and sustainable development.
