Workshop participants
“This training came at a most critical time for our community. For many years, we have struggled with divisions, but through these two days, I have seen a new spirit of unity among our people.” These were the words of Bulus Auta, the village head of Unguwan Gwari, at the conclusion of a values-based peacebuilding workshop conducted by the Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Nigeria. His reflection captured the essence of what unfolded during two days of impactful engagement in Kaduna State.
The Global Peace Foundation has been committed to advancing community-driven peacebuilding globally, grounded in the belief that sustainable peace must come from within the community itself. By engaging faith leaders and community members, including elders, women, and youth, GPF creates inclusive platforms for dialogue, trust building, and collaborative action. This approach strengthens shared identity and reinforces the vision that all people belong to one human family. Through initiatives that are led and owned by local communities, GPF helps resolve divisions rooted in religion, ethnicity, or history, while fostering reconciliation and resilience that can endure across generations.
Workshop participants
On September 8th and 9th, 2025, the GPF Nigeria conducted a capacity-building workshop on values-based peacebuilding at the Unguwan Gwari Town Hall under the theme ‘Promoting the Vision of One Family Under God’. The training brought together 115 participants, including faith leaders, traditional rulers, women, youth, and community members, to strengthen their capacity for dialogue, unity, and sustainable peace.
The workshop was facilitated by Abdul Ahmed, senior program manager of GPF Nigeria, with the keynote address delivered by the country director, Reverend John Joseph Hayab. In his remarks, Rev. Hayab emphasized that humanity is greater than differences. He gave a striking example of blood donation, reminding participants that in times of emergency, no one asks whether the donor is Christian or Muslim. What matters is saving lives. This truth, he noted, reflects the vision of One Family Under God and serves as a foundation for building peaceful and resilient communities.
Over the course of two days, participants engaged in interactive sessions on themes such as vision, principles, and values, interfaith leadership, identity and conflict, human rights and responsibilities, and creating a culture of peace through service. The training highlighted the importance of teaching values such as dignity, respect, and responsibility within families, recognizing that the home is the first school of peace. It also underscored that acts of service, however small, can help heal divisions, inspire reconciliation, and strengthen community bonds.
The testimonies of participants affirmed the impact of the program. Alaramma Usman Nasidi described the workshop as a lifeline for the community, stressing that the lessons learned were practical tools for crisis prevention and development. Another participant, Abubakar Idris, shared how the sessions changed his view of peace. He said that before the training, he believed peace was difficult to achieve, but he now understood that it begins with individuals choosing to stand united.
Workshop participants
The program strengthened interfaith collaboration in Unguwan Gwari as Christian and Muslim leaders prayed and reflected together, modeling harmony for their followers. Families were empowered to nurture tolerance and respect at home, while youth and community members gained practical skills in dialogue and conflict resolution. These outcomes will continue to ripple throughout the community, with participants committing to apply what they learned in their daily lives.
For the Unguwan Gwari community, the workshop marked the beginning of a renewed journey toward unity. By embracing the vision of One Family Under God and embedding shared values in families, places of worship, and community spaces, the people of Unguwan Gwari are building a stronger, more cohesive community. GPF Nigeria remains committed to supporting these efforts and to advancing a culture of peace that uplifts communities across the country.
Explore more of GPF’s Community-based Peacebuilding Initiatives.
