Fostering Mutual Respect through Dialogue and Shared Values in Nigeria

Robin McDonough

July 25, 2025

Dialogue is an effective means for people from diverse cultural and ethnoreligious backgrounds to engage in a respectful manner to avoid conflict as well as address existing conflicts. On June 11, 2025, the Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Nigeria partnered with the Interfaith Mediation Centre (IMC) to commemorate the International Day of Dialogue among Civilizations with a roundtable titled “Fostering Mutual Respect through Dialogue and Shared Values” at Bajju Hall in Hayin Banki, Kaduna.

Over 60 people attended the event, including religious and traditional leaders, women, youth, and executives of the Hayin Banki Peace and Reconciliation Committee. The roundtable centered on the importance of dialogue and shared values in promoting social cohesion and unity in families, communities, and society at large.

A woman in purple traditional attire speaks into a microphone while a man in grey stands nearby; others sit and watch in a gathering focused on dialogue and shared values, with a Global Peace Foundation banner in the background.

GPF Nigeria hosts peacebuilding dialogue forums to foster peace in Kaduna.

Rev. John Joseph Hayab, country director of GPF Nigeria, welcomed the attendees, highlighting the organization’s vision of “One Family Under God” and our shared humanity to eliminate division. He also stressed the importance of dialogue as a way of life that provides the path to peace and understanding, stating, “At Global Peace Foundation Nigeria, we believe that dialogue is not just a tool; it is the foundation of peaceful coexistence.” Rev. Hayab further remarked, “It gives us a platform to listen, to learn, and to humanize one another.” He further challenged the attendees to be “ambassadors of dialogue” in all daily interactions.

Five men, including religious leaders in traditional and clerical attire, sit in a row at an indoor event with a banner in the background. One man is speaking into a microphone, fostering dialogue and mutual respect among attendees.

GPF Nigeria hosts peacebuilding dialogue forums to foster peace in Kaduna.

Next, IMC representatives Rev. Bitrus Dangiwa and Samson Auta gave the keynote address on “The Role of Dialogue in Peace.” They emphasized the importance of institutions learning effective dialogue techniques, such as establishing a conducive environment, honesty, equity, and respectful interaction. Using interactive techniques such as experience sharing and highlighting practical examples of local peacebuilding activities, they underscored the role of proactive engagement to achieve sustainable peace.

A number of notable guests endorsed the event and the importance of dialogue in creating an environment based on mutual respect and cooperation. They included Rev. Caleb Ma’aji, chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and Mallam Ibrahim Kufena, secretary general of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), who also commended GPF Nigeria for their peacebuilding activities, which foster interreligious harmony in the region.

Further, several religious and other leaders praised GPF Nigeria for the organization’s continuing engagement in the community and the focus on the value of dialogue in easing community tensions. Mallam Abubakar Abdulsalam, the chairman of the Hayin Banki Peace and Reconciliation Committee and the Chief Imam of Hayin Banki Central Mosque, reiterated the importance of dialogue, as did Rev. Bulus Gida, the pastor in charge of First ECWA Church.

A group of women sit indoors; one woman in the center holds a microphone and speaks, fostering dialogue while others listen attentively, reflecting mutual respect.

GPF Nigeria hosts peacebuilding dialogue forums to foster peace in Kaduna.

In addition, Alhaji Mahmud Shehu Galadima, the village head of Hayin Banki, said, “It has presented to us a tool for healing when there is misunderstanding as well as putting into our hands the key to lock-out conflict.” Community member and Hayin Banki woman leader, Hajiya Adama Ibrahim, commented, “This meeting today will go a long way in reducing conflicts both within families and the communities, as some issues would be avoided completely through understanding as members interact and dialogue.”

The event brought together a diverse group of attendees interested in learning about dialogue and its role in bridging differences by engaging in meaningful discussions, building trust, enhancing relationships, and creating an environment favorable to creating peaceful coexistence. To further the inroads made, GPF Nigeria plans to bring together the Hayin Banki community and another community in the state to share experiences and engage in meaningful dialogue.