A few months ago, Nasarawa and Kakuri communities faced tensions and confusion due to differences and misunderstandings. Now, both communities have come together for a multistakeholder engagement program, a renewed peace campaign – an expansion of the Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Nigeria’s grassroots peacebuilding efforts.

As a six-month program, the initiative is designed to prevent any resurgence of tensions and deepen social cohesion among these two neighbouring communities. This multi-stakeholder engagement brings together local religious leaders, youths, women, and residents from both communities for dialogue.

Reverend Joseph John Hayeb, GPF Nigeria Country Director, spoke about being ‘peace advocates’ and that peacebuilding must remain proactive rather than reactive, especially in areas with histories of tension, eventually promoting social cohesion.

GPF Nigeria’s continued efforts to bring people from strained communities together to have inclusive dialogues reflect its strong commitment to building resilient and peaceful communities. By fostering peace conversations and open dialogues, the Nigerian chapter reinforces the idea that peace begins in communities through honest conversations.

Read the full story as covered by the Blueprint Newspaper here.