By Solomon OKPO
The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, has endorsed the ARISE Peace Choir Competition, an initiative of the Office of the Special Assistant to the Governor on Creative Talent Development, describing it as a timely programme that promotes the state’s enduring reputation for peace and unity.
The endorsement was given on Wednesday, July 22, when members of the ARISE Peace Choir Competition Planning Committee visited the Commissioner in his office to solicit his support. Elder Bassey commended Governor Umo Eno for providing godly leadership, noting that the administration’s commitment to prayer and reliance on God’s guidance have contributed significantly to the peace and development being enjoyed across the state. He described Akwa Ibom as one of Nigeria’s most peaceful states, attributing its human and infrastructural progress to divine intervention.
Earlier, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Creative Talent Development and Chairman of the Planning Committee, Comrade Emmanuel Owuala, explained that the competition is being organised in collaboration with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Religious Matters under the theme, “Peace Be Still.” He said the initiative is designed to further promote the state’s peaceful image, particularly as the country approaches the general elections.
Owuala disclosed that the competition will officially commence on August 16 and will feature choir groups of not fewer than 30 members from each of the 31 local government areas of the state. He added that winners will receive cash prizes of ₦5 million for first place, ₦3 million for second place, and ₦2 million for third place.
In his remarks, Elder Bassey praised the committee for conceiving the initiative, stressing that any programme aimed at strengthening and projecting the peaceful atmosphere of Akwa Ibom deserves the support of all stakeholders. He urged residents to continue supporting government programmes positively and avoid actions capable of creating unnecessary distractions to governance.
The delegation also included former Chairman of Uyo Local Government Area, Rt. Hon. Justice Ekong, who serves as Secretary of the ARISE Peace Choir Competition Planning Committee
