Prominent personalities from government, academia, traditional institutions, business and religious organisations are expected to converge in Port Harcourt on Thursday for a special honour ceremony marking the 2026 Democracy Day celebration.
The event, scheduled for the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Moscow Road, is also being held to commemorate the Day of the African Child and the 10th day of the Muslim New Year 1448AH (Ashura).
Organisers, Treasury Ventures, publishers of several magazines, said the programme would feature lectures, goodwill messages and awards recognising contributions to peace, cultural harmony, grassroots development and nation-building.
The Commissioner of Police in Rivers, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, is expected to deliver a lecture on security, public safety and community partnership in crime prevention.
The Mayor of Port Harcourt City, Sir Allwell Ihunda, has been nominated for the City Man of the Year Award in recognition of his leadership and grassroots-oriented governance.
Also nominated under the Pillar of Grassroots Development Award category are the chairmen of Opobo/Nkoro, Obio/Akpor and Khana Local Government Areas for their contributions to local development and community empowerment.
Traditional rulers to be honoured include King Adekunle Bright Alabi, Oba Yoruba of Rivers State, and Hussaini Isa Madaki, Seriki Hausawa of Rivers State, both recipients of the Pillar of Peace and Culture Award.
Hajia Rahmat Omolara Abdulsalam will receive the Ambassador of Peace and Cultural Development Award for her contributions to peacebuilding, humanitarian service and community development.
The academic segment of the programme will feature a keynote address by Prof. Abdul-Rasaq Kilani of the University of Port Harcourt on democracy and religion, while Sheikh Lukman Akintoye of NASFAT, Port Harcourt Branch, will speak on the growth of Islam in Rivers State.
The event is expected to attract Muslim leaders, community stakeholders and other dignitaries from across the state and beyond.
Speaking ahead of the ceremony, the Publisher and Chief Executive Officer of Treasury Ventures, Abdul-Hameed Oladipupo Alli, said the gathering was designed to celebrate exemplary leadership and promote peace, unity and sustainable development.
According to him, the programme reflects the aspirations of Nigerians for harmonious coexistence, youth development and responsible nation-building.
