The National Council for Civil Society Organizations (NACCSO) in partnership with the Vision-One Leadership Development Initiative (VOLDI) has conferred the Royal Icon Award for Peace and Community Development on His Royal Highness, Alhaji Suleiman Ahmed Eko, the Osu Ajiri of Edege Chiefdom and Paramount Ruler of Afo Nation.
The award was presented on Friday during a courtesy visit to the palace in Edege Mbeki, Nasarawa State.
The visit also flagged off the “Community to Community Sensitization Against Electoral Violence” campaign ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
The Leader of the Delegation and National President of NACCSO, Rt. Comrade Emmanuel Johnny, commended the royal father for his exemplary leadership and commitment to peace, unity, and development in Edege Chiefdom and Afo Nation.
He said NACCSO and VOLDI are driving grassroots initiatives to strengthen peace, security, and responsible citizenship.
Speaking on the sensitization drive, Comrade Johnny said:
“The Community to Community Sensitization Against Electoral Violence is designed to educate citizens at the grassroots on the dangers of electoral violence, hate speech, and the destruction of public and community assets. We are mobilizing traditional rulers, youth leaders, women groups, and community stakeholders to serve as peace ambassadors in their communities.”
In a statement by Hon. Amushi Tanimu Musa, SA Media and Publicity to Osu Ajiri of Edege ChiefDom, he added that the goal is to ensure the 2027 elections are conducted “in an atmosphere of peace, tolerance, and unity” because “sustainable development can only thrive where there is peace before, during, and after elections.”
The campaign will include town hall meetings, advocacy visits, school outreaches, and media engagements across communities in Nasarawa State and beyond.
Comrade Johnny also recognized the support of security stakeholders, including NSCDC Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, and DG NDE, His Excellency Salis Ali Agara, for their contributions to peace and community development.
Certificates of Participation were presented to the Osu Ajiri and other sons and daughters of Edege Chiefdom who participated in the programme.
In a major highlight, Rt. Comrade Johnny formally invited His Royal Highness to serve as “Nation Builder Father of the Day” at the 4th Nigerian Nation Builders Annual Conference scheduled for Friday, 2nd October 2026, 10:00AM at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja.
Royal Father Urges Peace
Responding, Alhaji Suleiman Ahmed Eko expressed appreciation to NACCSO and VOLDI for the recognition.
He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting initiatives that unite the people, empower youths, and protect community assets.
The Osu Ajiri urged citizens, especially youths, to embrace peace, reject electoral violence, and take ownership of community development by protecting government and community-owned facilities.
The award presentation and campaign flag-off, organizers said, underscore the vital role of traditional leadership in promoting peace, unity, security and credible elections in Nigeria.