
Guests arrive for the Chawai Day Celebration in Nigeria
Approximately 5,000 people from diverse ethno-religious backgrounds attended the return of the Chawai Day celebration in Kauru Local Government Area in southern Kaduna State, Nigeria on December 28, 2024. The two-part collaborative event valuing diversity, inclusivity, and the return of peace was organized by the Chawai Development Association and Chawai Traditional Council in partnership with the Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Nigeria and supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
Women’s inherent value as leaders was on display at the start of the program when six male and female community members were honored at a coronation ceremony at the Chief of Chawai’s palace. One of the female honorees, Madam Dr. Salome Stephen Farum (Sarauniyar Chawai), expressed her gratitude, stating “I am deeply honored to receive this title as Sarauniyar Chawai. My coronation today reflects the progress we have made as a community in recognizing the role of women in leadership.”
Following the coronation ceremony, the celebration continued at the Model Primary School Chawai. Underscoring unity and cultural pride, residents shared the impact of peacebuilding initiatives on their lives, and local groups displayed unity among the diverse population through cultural displays and performances.
The event highlighted the positive impact of GPF Nigeria’s intervention in Chawai Chiefdom. During his opening remarks, the Chief of Chawai, Alhaji Yahaya Muhammad, expressed his profound gratitude to the organization, stating, “Through the guidance and support of GPF Nigeria, we have seen the restoration of trust, the strengthening of relationships, and the recognition of the importance of unity among us all, leading to marking this event again.”
In addition, Chief Muhammad commended the Peace and Reconciliation Committee’s continued efforts and resulting impact on promoting understanding, tolerance, inclusiveness, and mutual respect, leading to strengthened bonds among diverse communities. He further acknowledged the six distinguished men and women who were honored with traditional titles for their community service particularly in the area of peacebuilding.

(From left) Madam Jummai Adamu who was given the traditional title Rauraruwan Chawai at the middle is the Chief of Chawai Alh Yahaya Muhammad and at the right Madam Salomi Dr. Stephin Farum who was coroneted as Sarauniyar Chawai
Representing Reverend John Joseph Hayab, the Country Director of GPF Nigeria, Sheikh Halliru Abdullahi Maraya, the organization’s northern coordinator, acknowledged the privilege of witnessing the Chawai Day celebration. He attested the reinstatement of the event to the community’s acceptance of GPF’s vision of “One Family Under God” where everyone shares the foundation of our common humanity.
In further remarks, Sheikh Maraya highlighted the relationship between GPF Nigeria and USAID as transformative in creating unity and peace in the region. He stated, “Today, we see the fruits of that effort: a united community where diversity is celebrated, women are included in leadership, and interfaith harmony is upheld as a cornerstone of peace. “
Sheikh Maraya also commended the Chawai Peace and Reconciliation Committee established by GPF Nigeria for its peacebuilding efforts. He noted that the committee is a role model for other communities that desire to achieve peace and inclusivity among its diverse members.

Sheikh Halliru Abdullahi Maraya (left) greets attendees
In addition, Sheikh Maraya congratulated the men and women who were honored with traditional titles, noting that the achievement represented both individual and community strength. He challenged the honorees in their new roles stating, “You now carry the responsibility to continue fostering peace and promoting the values of service and leadership.”
In closing, Sheikh Maraya reminded the attendees that sustainable peace requires a collective effort. Urging everyone to uphold the principles of peace and mutual understanding, he stated, “Let this celebration inspire us to build a future where Chawai Chiefdom becomes a shining example of unity, progress, and cultural pride for others to emulate as well as serve as a reminder of what we can achieve when we work together as members of One Family under God.”
The large turnout of people from diverse ethnoreligious backgrounds at the renewed Chawai Day celebration is evidence of the positive impact of GPF Nigeria’s peacebuilding intervention in the region. Through a united and collective effort, the organization will continue its efforts in the chiefdom and other communities to address conflict and restore peace and social cohesion.
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