A core value of the Global Peace Foundation’s vision of One Family Under God is that our shared humanity is the foundation of a peaceful society. Seeking to create social cohesion and foster unity and peaceful coexistence in neighboring Local Government Areas (LGA) in Niger State, GPF Nigeria expanded its support for reducing violent extremism among youth from Lapai LGA to Agaie LGA.

On January 14, 2025, over 130 men, women, and children from diverse ethnoreligious and family backgrounds, including traditional and religious leaders, attended the organization’s advocacy visit, community entry, and stakeholder engagement at the Palace of Etsu Agaie. GPF Nigeria Northern Coordinator Sheikh Haliru Maraya opened the program by recognizing the people of Agaie Emirate and praising Alhaji Yusuf Nuhu, the Emir of Agaie, for his efforts in creating sustainable peace. Sheikh Maraya said, “There can only be a peaceful community when there is a peaceful leader.”

Agaie LGA community gathers to hear peacebuilding talks from GPF Nigeria.

Further, Sheikh Maraya explained the program’s purpose, stating, “Our message at GPF Nigeria is simple: recognizing that human beings are members of One Family Under God, recognition and acceptance of which would put an end to all conflict because we would wish for each other the best.” He also emphasized that generalizing crime to a tribe or religion instead of an individual does everyone a disservice.

Next, GPF Nigeria Country Director Rev. John Joseph Hayab, underscored the importance of accepting each other’s differences while valuing the common bond of our shared humanity. He acknowledged the importance of being proactive in peacebuilding. Accordingly, he stated, “We are not here because there is a problem in Agaie, but at GPFN, we believe that peacebuilding should be proactive. Our approach emphasizes early intervention, building relationships, and promoting inclusivity before crises arise.” Rev. Hayab challenged the attendees to work together in peace, emphasizing the role of traditional rulers and religious leaders as society’s gatekeepers.

Citing the success of GPF Nigeria’s experience with young people in neighboring Lapai LGA, Rev. Hayab stressed the critical role youth play in peacebuilding and the need to instill in them at an early age the principles and values that will help them grow into productive members of society. He committed to working with community stakeholders, including women and children, to achieve sustainable peace in Agaie LGA, stating that “together, we can build a community that thrives on unity, mutual respect, and shared values.”

Nigerian children join in peacebuilding efforts.

GPF Nigeria’s peacebuilding engagement in Agaie LGA was well received. Alhaji Usman Garuda, an Agaie LGA spokesperson, expressed deep appreciation to the organization for expanding its work to their region, which will help to strengthen the peacebuilding values that are sacred to their cultures, traditions, and faith. He noted, “This laudable initiative aligns with our commitment to fostering inclusion and peaceful coexistence among all ethnic and religious groups in our community.”

Several of the program’s attendees also expressed confidence in GPF Nigeria’s ability to positively impact the community. For example, Wada Yukubu Umar, the Area Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, remarked, “This organization obviously has a good name and aura that attracts a multitude, considering the large turnout, which is not usual.” In addition, the Chief Imam of Agaie Kudu Central Mosque, Sheikh Muhammadu Abdullahi stated, “The message of peace which the foundation carries is simply the perfection of all religion because we cannot practice our respective religious obligations like going to the mosque or church when there is chaos in the society.”

Mutual respect and collaboration are at the heart of GPF Nigeria’s community-driven peacebuilding efforts. Recognizing that everyone in the community has an important role in fostering social cohesion and peaceful coexistence, the organization will conduct a baseline survey to gather detailed data and develop a comprehensive plan for moving forward with their peacebuilding in Agaie LGA.