Rotary Peace Summit 2026 holds in Lagos on November 7, bringing experts and policymakers together to advance good governance, justice and sustainable peace
The All Nigeria Rotary Peace Summit 2026 will bring together peacebuilding experts, policymakers, academics, security specialists and civil society leaders in Lagos on Saturday, November 7, to explore practical approaches to Nigeria’s peace and development challenges.
Convened by Rotary International President, Yinka Babalola, the summit will hold at the Victoria Garden Event Centre, Alausa, Ikeja, from 9:00 a.m., 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 gathering aims to translate discussions into practical recommendations, stronger partnerships and commitments from stakeholders towards lasting peace.
The keynote address will be delivered by Lea Perekrests, Director of Partnerships at the Institute for Economics and Peace.
Her presentation, titled “Global Perspectives on Good Governance, Justice and Equity as Foundations for Sustainable Peace,” will examine the relationship between effective institutions, inclusive governance, equitable societies and long-term stability.
Scheduled for 10:35 a.m., the keynote session will provide an international perspective on Nigeria’s peacebuilding challenges and opportunities, particularly the need to strengthen social cohesion and build resilient communities.
The programme will also feature two high-level panel discussions involving specialists in governance, security, peace studies and civil society.
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.
Its panellists are Rear Admiral (Rtd.) Elkana Oyeleye Jaiyeola, a security expert and intelligence practitioner; Dr Diamond Preye Nebechukwu, Director of the Abdulmalik Abubakar Institute for Peace and Sustainable Development Studies; and Professor Richard Aborishade, a Professor of Criminology at Olabisi Onabanjo University.
The discussion will examine the connections between accountable governance, access to justice, equitable development and national unity.
Participants are expected to consider institutional accountability, governance challenges and ways to rebuild public confidence in national institutions.
The second panel, “Security, Inclusion and the Future of Peace in Nigeria,” will be moderated by Mrs Ibim Semenitari, an entrepreneur, administrator, communication specialist, journalist and Rotarian.
The panellists 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 discussion will focus on inclusive participation, community engagement, civil society collaboration and security interventions.
Particular attention will be given to the contributions of women, young people, vulnerable communities and non-governmental organisations to sustainable peacebuilding.
Babalola will also address participants on peacebuilding in Nigeria and formally declare the summit open, reflecting Rotary’s commitment to conflict prevention, dialogue and international understanding.
Goodwill messages are expected from representatives of youth organisations, women’s groups, security institutions and the diplomatic community.
Those listed include Abisogun Akinbode, National President of JCI Nigeria; Dr Kunbi Wuraola, Convener of Women on a Mission; Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu; and Sweden’s Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Anna Westerholm.
A major feature of the summit 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 provide an opportunity for participants to identify practical commitments arising from the discussions.
Organisers also plan to facilitate the signing of a Peace Legacy Accord and Agenda, followed by the presentation of a summit declaration and communiqué outlining agreed resolutions and next steps.
The organisers say these activities are intended to ensure that the summit’s discussions lead to sustained collaboration and concrete action beyond the event.
The gathering is expected to provide a platform for cooperation among Rotary leaders, government institutions, security stakeholders, development organisations, peacebuilding professionals and civil society groups.
By placing good governance, justice, equity and inclusion at the centre of its discussions, the All Nigeria Rotary Peace Summit 2026 seeks to advance a broader understanding of the conditions required to build lasting peace in Nigeria.
