Country Director of GPF Nigeria, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, delivering an inspiring address to community stakeholders on shifting conflict narratives into collaborative, self-sustaining local peace models.
In communities where tensions have threatened long-standing relationships, restoring trust requires more than dialogue; it requires shared commitment, local leadership, and a common vision for peace. In May 2026, the Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Nigeria brought these elements together through its “One Family Under God” (OFUG) Social Cohesion Campaign, helping to strengthen relationships and foster peaceful coexistence in Kaduna State.
Launched on May 11 in the neighboring communities of Nasarawa and Kakuri, the campaign sought to deepen social cohesion, strengthen early warning mechanisms, and prevent the resurgence of identity-based conflict. The initiative convened traditional rulers, Christian and Muslim faith leaders, youth representatives, women’s groups, and community stakeholders to transform conflict narratives into opportunities for collaboration, mutual respect, and community-led peacebuilding.
One of the most significant outcomes of the campaign was the decision by traditional leaders from both communities to jointly host the dialogue in a single venue, a powerful public demonstration of unity following recent tensions. The gathering reflected a shared determination to move beyond divisions and invest in lasting peace.
Addressing participants, GPF Nigeria Country Director Reverend John Joseph Hayab emphasized the importance of rebuilding relationships through understanding and communication.
“When people begin to respect each other and learn how to speak to one another, the possibility of tension like what we experienced months ago will not come,” he said.
A cross-section of traditional rulers, Christian and Muslim clerics, youth leaders, and women’s associations gathered in a unified venue for the launch of the “One Family Under God” campaign in Kaduna State.
Representing the Sarkin Nasarawa, Yusuf Muhammad Yunus highlighted the value of the initiative in strengthening harmony within the community.
“This is a cosmopolitan community where Christians and Muslims have lived together peacefully over the years. Therefore, we strongly advocate that GPF Nigeria engage our diverse communities with her peace work, for it is timely.”
Religious leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to promoting peace through continued community engagement and education. Reverend Garba Samaila Sani, chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Nasarawa Zone, stressed the essential role of faith leaders in building peaceful societies.
“Peace is the indispensable foundation for development and progress in our society. No meaningful growth can take place in an atmosphere of conflict or division,” he said.
Similarly, representatives of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) pledged ongoing collaboration with GPF Nigeria and other peace actors to sustain peaceful coexistence and mutual understanding across communities.
The campaign marked an important shift from dependence on external security interventions toward strengthening local moral authority and community ownership of peacebuilding. By empowering respected traditional and religious leaders to champion reconciliation and dialogue, GPF Nigeria is helping communities build resilient structures capable of addressing disputes before they escalate into conflict.
Students and young leaders at the 2026 national Knowledge Children’s Day event
Later in the month, on May 25, GPF Nigeria expanded its peacebuilding outreach through a strategic partnership with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) during its national Knowledge Children’s Day event. The collaboration provided an opportunity to advocate for child protection, quality education, and values-based mentorship while inspiring young people to become active contributors to peace in their schools and communities.
Representing Rev. Hayab at the event, GPF Nigeria Programs Manager Abdul Ahmed encouraged participating children and youth to recognize their potential as future leaders.
“Your generation has the power to build a more peaceful, united, and prosperous Nigeria. We encourage you to be ambassadors of peace, kindness, and unity wherever you find yourselves.”
The event also reinforced the importance of collective responsibility in nurturing the next generation. NTA Director General Salihu AbdulHamid Dembos noted that partnerships focused on education, mentorship, and safe environments are essential to helping young people achieve their full potential.
GPF Nigeria’s efforts in Kaduna reflect the Global Peace Foundation’s broader approach to peacebuilding, advancing social cohesion by strengthening relationships across faith, ethnic, and community lines while empowering local leaders and institutions to take ownership of peace. The success of the One Family Under God campaign offers a practical model for communities seeking to prevent conflict, build trust, and foster a culture of mutual respect, shared responsibility, and active citizenship.
Through community-driven peacebuilding initiatives that engage diverse stakeholders as partners in peace, GPF continues to demonstrate how locally led action can create the foundation for lasting social harmony. To support this work and learn more, visit Global Peace Foundation Community-Driven Peacebuilding.
