The National Council for Civil Society Organisations (NACCSO) has honoured the Osu Ajiri of Edege Chiefdom and Paramount Ruler of Afo Nation, His Royal Highness Alhaji Suleiman Ahmed Eko, with its Royal Icon Award for Peace, Unity and Community Development.
The award was presented during a courtesy visit to the traditional ruler’s palace in Edege Mbeki, Nasarawa State, on Friday.
The visit also marked the launch of NACCSO’s Community Sensitisation Against Electoral Violence Campaign, aimed at promoting peaceful and credible elections ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at the event, NACCSO President, Rt. Comrade Emmanuel Johnny, commended the traditional ruler for his leadership and contributions to peace, unity and development in Edege Chiefdom and Afo Nation.
Johnny said the organisation was strengthening grassroots engagement to promote peace, security and responsible citizenship, particularly as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.
He explained that the campaign would educate citizens on the dangers of electoral violence, hate speech and the destruction of public and community assets.
“Our goal is to ensure that the 2027 elections are conducted in an atmosphere of peace, tolerance and unity. Sustainable development can only thrive where there is peace before, during and after elections,” Johnny said.
According to him, traditional rulers, youth leaders, women’s groups and other community stakeholders will be mobilised as peace ambassadors.
He added that the campaign would feature town hall meetings, advocacy visits, school outreaches and media engagements across Nasarawa State and other parts of the country.
Johnny also acknowledged the contributions of prominent Nasarawa State indigenes, including the Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, and the Director-General of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Salis Ali Agara, to peace, security and community development.
Also speaking, NACCSO Team Lead, Architect Innocent, praised the Osu Ajiri for maintaining peace within his domain and prayed for greater wisdom and a long reign for the traditional ruler.
Certificates of Participation were presented to the Osu Ajiri and other sons and daughters of Edege Chiefdom who took part in the programme.
Johnny also formally invited the traditional ruler to serve as the Nation Builder Father of the Day at the fourth Nigerian Nation Builders Annual Conference, scheduled for October 2, 2026, at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja.
The conference is expected to recognise individuals and institutions contributing to national unity, development and nation-building.
Responding, Alhaji Eko thanked NACCSO for the award and commended the organisation for its grassroots peace and community development initiatives.
He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting programmes that promote unity, youth empowerment, protection of public assets and sustainable development in Edege Chiefdom and Afo Nation.
The traditional ruler described Afo Nation as an area endowed with significant mineral resources and a major market that attracts traders from different parts of the country.
He urged residents, particularly young people, to embrace peace, reject electoral violence and protect government and community infrastructure for present and future generations.
The monarch also called for greater cooperation among traditional institutions, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to promote peaceful and credible elections in 2027.
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