Nsit Ibom has emerged as the leading choir among 10 contenders after a keenly contested semi-final of the 2026 Arise Peace Choir Competition, securing the highest score to book its place in the grand finale alongside four other local government areas.
The decisive contest took place on Saturday, September 12, at Insight Bible Church, Nsikak Eduok Avenue, Uyo, with choirs representing Nsit Ibom, Uruan, Essien Udim, Obot Akara, Ikot Ekpene, Uyo, Oruk Anam, Onna, Urue Offong and Eket battling for the five available final slots.
Nsit Ibom finished at the summit with 210 points and an average score of 70, while Uruan followed closely with 202 points and an average of 67.
Essien Udim secured third position with 194 points and an average of 65, followed by Obot Akara with 192 points and an average of 64. Ikot Ekpene completed the qualifying bracket with 188 points and an average of 63.
The results also left Uyo narrowly outside the final after scoring 186 points, while Oruk Anam recorded 178, Onna 171, Urue Offong 168 and Eket 151 points.
With the outcome, Nsit Ibom, Uruan, Essien Udim, Obot Akara and Ikot Ekpene will now proceed to the grand finale, bringing the competition involving choirs from the 31 local government areas closer to its climax.
The performances were assessed by a three-member adjudication panel comprising renowned keyboardists Ephraim Jimmy, Christopher Inwang, Ph.D., and Etim Emmanuel Umoren.
Held under the theme, “Peace Be Still,” the competition goes beyond musical performance, using choral music as a platform for promoting peace, unity, tolerance and responsible citizenship in Akwa Ibom, particularly as the state approaches another politically sensitive season.
The initiative is organised by Emmanuel Owuala, Special Assistant to the Governor on Creative Talents Development, in collaboration with Pastor Joe Linus, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Religious Matters, and reflects the peace and unity ideals associated with Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda.
As the five finalists prepare for the grand finale, the competition has moved from a contest among local government choirs to a larger expression of the message at its heart — Peace Be Still.
