Aguleri Prayer Summit Records Peace Gains, Seeks Road Construction
For communities that have endured tensions and disruptions, the return of children to classrooms and traders to their markets offers a welcome sign of hope.
The Convener of the World Christian International Ecumenical Centre Worldwide, Aguleri, Anambra State, Rt. Rev. Amb. Elias Ike Ekwemmuor, says a six-year-old annual prayer initiative has contributed to restoring peace in Otuocha and neighbouring communities.
Ekwemmuor made the claim at the end of the centre’s four-day Sixth Annual Prayer Summit 2026, where participants offered prayers for lasting peace, reconciliation and development in the Omambala region.
He disclosed that academic activities had resumed at Unity Primary School, Umuoba Anam, while commercial activities in local markets were also picking up.
The cleric urged residents who fled their homes during the communal tensions to return, stressing the need for peaceful coexistence among the affected communities.
He, however, warned against renewed hostilities, calling on community members to embrace dialogue and avoid actions capable of triggering further violence.
Ekwemmuor appealed to the Anambra State Government to establish a special Reconstruction, Reconciliation and Rehabilitation Committee to address the consequences of the conflicts.
He said the proposed committee should oversee the reconstruction of damaged buildings and infrastructure, facilitate reconciliation among affected communities and consider compensation for victims.
The cleric also expressed the readiness of his organisation to work with the state government as part of efforts to restore normalcy.
He disclosed that some victims were receiving support at the World Christian International Ecumenical Centre, located at No. 12 Rev. Dr Ike Elias Ekwemmuor Street, behind the INEC office, Aguleri.
Beyond the peace appeal, the convener called on Governor Chukwuma Soludo to fulfil the state’s earlier plan to construct the road leading to the prayer centre.
According to him, the Anambra State Government carried out a preliminary engineering design for the street in 2021, but construction has yet to commence.
He appealed for the road to be constructed in line with the original design, extending from the INEC office to the boundary of Umueri community.
Ekwemmuor said a properly constructed access road would make it easier for worshippers and visitors to reach the centre, particularly during major religious gatherings.
Participants at the summit, including Pastor A.O. Amadi, representing Ebonyi State, Madam Tina Nkalu Ejike and Mrs Abumchukwu Egenti, also spoke about the role of the annual gathering in promoting peace.
They said the prayer initiative, which began six years ago, had provided an opportunity for people from different backgrounds to come together and seek peaceful coexistence.
Held from Wednesday, 28 October to Saturday, 31 October 2026, in Aguleri, Anambra East Local Government Area, the summit attracted Christians from different denominations for four days of prayers, intercession and spiritual reflection.
The theme was “Upholding God’s Purpose for Ndigbo”.
A major focus of the gathering was prayers for permanent peace among communities in the Omambala region, particularly Otuocha, Aguleri, Umueri and Umuoba Anam.
Participants also prayed for Nigeria, with particular emphasis on national unity, good governance and the peaceful conduct of the 2027 general elections.
The convener expressed gratitude to individuals and community leaders who supported the sixth edition, including former Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano; former religious adviser to Governors Peter Obi and Willie Obiano, Chief Sir Engr. Anselm Okafor; Chief Dr Lawrence Ojemeni; Chief Sir M.E.A. Nwakalor; and the President-General of Umuoba Anam, Hon. Uche Anizor.
He prayed for God’s blessings and continued support for the benefactors and all those committed to sustaining the initiative.
The summit ended with renewed calls for reconciliation, support for victims of communal conflict and improved infrastructure to strengthen access to the prayer centre.
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