Nigeria is taking bold steps to address deepening national divisions and unconscious biases as preparations intensify for the National Festival of Tolerance and Peaceful Co-Existence Summit scheduled for February 2026.
The National Coordinator of the Summit and Managing Director of Pearl Trade West Africa, Ms. Ijeoma Akwara, disclosed this in an exclusive interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja.
Akwara said the summit aims to strengthen lawful tolerance, rebuild trust, and promote peaceful coexistence across communities.
She explained that the theme — “Team Nigeria: Inclusion of Diversities Against Unconscious Biases” — directly responds to rising insecurity, communal tensions, and widening social fractures.
According to her, the summit is one of Nigeria’s most strategic peace-building engagements, designed to reverse distrust and foster a more cohesive, inclusive society.
“Nigeria urgently needs a lawful, rights-based culture of tolerance to ensure stability, equality, and peaceful resolution of conflicts,” she said.
Akwara added that the summit is being organised in partnership with the National Orientation Agency (NOA), building on Nigeria’s commitment to the UNESCO Declaration of the Principles of Tolerance adopted 30 years ago. She noted that the gathering would translate those ideals into practical national action.
“The February event will prioritise civic education, community early-warning systems for conflict prevention, bias-free media communication, interfaith engagement, and stronger collaboration between civilians and security agencies.
“Key programmes to be unveiled include a National Tolerance Education Framework, a Media and Communication Charter on Tolerance, Community Tolerance and Peace Cells, and new youth-driven leadership and values platforms.
“Other programmes include value-driven community intervention projects; conflict-prevention partnerships with industry leaders; interfaith and intercultural engagement platforms; and advocacy for presidential approval to designate November 16 as Nigeria’s National Tolerance and Peaceful Coexistence Day,” she said.
Akwara also announced that a nationwide digital process to select Tolerance and Peace Ambassadors would commence soon, with transparent online voting open to all Nigerians.
She revealed that Nigeria would host an International Tolerance and Peace Expo on November 16, 2026, featuring participation from West African countries and heads of international organisations.
“Every Nigerian will have the opportunity to participate and support individuals championing peace, respect, and diversity. The summit will promote lawful and legal tolerance that protects rights, upholds justice, and strengthens national unity,” she added.
