Rotary International President, Yinka Babalola, will convene policymakers, international peacebuilding experts, security specialists, academics and civil society leaders in Lagos on Saturday, November 7, 2026, for the All Nigeria Rotary Peace Summit 2026, an initiative aimed at developing practical approaches to Nigeria’s governance, justice and security challenges.
The summit, scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m. at the Victoria Garden Event Centre, Alausa, Ikeja, will hold under the theme, “Good Governance, Justice and Equity: Foundations for Sustainable Peace.”
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Organised under the sub-theme, “From Dialogue to Action: Forging a Sustainable Peace Legacy in Nigeria,” the gathering seeks to move beyond discussions towards practical recommendations, stronger institutional partnerships and stakeholder commitments that can support lasting peace across the country.
A major highlight will be the keynote address by Lea Perekrests, Director of Partnerships at the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP). Her presentation, titled “Global Perspectives on Good Governance, Justice and Equity as Foundations for Sustainable Peace,” is scheduled for 10:35 a.m.
The address is expected to examine the relationship between effective institutions, inclusive governance, equitable societies and sustainable peace, drawing on international perspectives to address Nigeria’s development and social cohesion challenges.
The summit will also feature two high-level panel discussions involving experts from the security, governance, peacebuilding and civil society sectors.
The first panel, titled “Governance, Justice, Equity and National Cohesion,” will be moderated by Dr Joseph Ochogwu, Director-General of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR).
Participants will include Rear Admiral (Rtd.) Elkana Oyeleye Jaiyeola, a former naval officer and security expert; Dr Diamond Preye Nebechukwu, Director of the Abdulmalik Abubakar Institute for Peace and Sustainable Development Studies; and Professor Richard Aborishade, Professor of Criminology at Olabisi Onabanjo University.
The discussion will examine how institutional accountability, access to justice, equitable development and responsible governance can strengthen public confidence and national unity.
The second panel, “Security, Inclusion and the Future of Peace in Nigeria,” will be moderated by Mrs Ibim Semenitari, an entrepreneur, administrator, communications specialist, journalist and Rotarian.
Panellists will include Kaltumi Abdulazeez, a 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.
Their discussions will focus on the contribution of inclusive participation, community engagement, civil society organisations and security interventions to sustainable peacebuilding.
Particular attention will be given to the involvement of women, young people and vulnerable communities in shaping solutions to the country’s security and development challenges.
Babalola, who is convening the summit, will deliver an address on peacebuilding in Nigeria and formally declare the gathering open.
His involvement reflects Rotary International’s longstanding commitment to conflict prevention, peacebuilding, 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.
Expected contributors include Mr Abisogun Akinbode, National President of Junior Chamber International (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.
Beyond the keynote and panel discussions, the summit is designed to establish a framework for translating stakeholder contributions into concrete commitments.
One of its major activities will be the session titled “From Dialogue to Action: Key Recommendations from Stakeholders, Commitments and Peace Legacy Agenda,” coordinated by Past District Governor Wole Kukoyi.
The session will bring stakeholders together to identify practical recommendations and commitments arising from the day’s deliberations.
Organisers have also made provision for the signing of a Peace Legacy Accord and Agenda, alongside the presentation of a summit declaration and communiqué outlining agreed resolutions and subsequent steps.
The proposed commitments are intended to provide a foundation for continued collaboration among government institutions, Rotary leaders, security agencies, development organisations and civil society groups beyond the event.
The initiative comes amid persistent concerns about insecurity, social divisions, institutional accountability and unequal access to opportunities in Nigeria.
These challenges have continued to place pressure on public institutions and communities, reinforcing the need for coordinated approaches that address both the causes and consequences of conflict.
Rotary International has long recognised peacebuilding as a central part of its humanitarian work.
Through its peace centres, educational programmes and community-based initiatives, the organisation supports efforts to develop professionals and leaders equipped to prevent and resolve conflicts.
The All Nigeria Rotary Peace Summit 2026 therefore provides an opportunity to connect these broader peacebuilding principles with Nigeria’s specific governance, security and social development priorities.
By bringing together people from different professional backgrounds and institutions, the organisers hope to establish a shared understanding that sustainable peace requires more than security interventions alone.
It also depends on accountable leadership, equal opportunities, access to justice and meaningful participation in decision-making.
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With the proposed Peace Legacy Accord and summit communiqué expected to capture the outcome of the discussions, attention will ultimately turn to how the recommendations are implemented and sustained after the November 7 gathering.
