Rev. John Joseph Hayab, GPFN Country Director, delivering keynote remarks on the ‘One Family under God’ vision at the NUJ Press Centre.
The media has the power to shape narratives, influence public perception, and either deepen divisions or build bridges of understanding. On March 13, 2026, this power was put into practice in Kaduna State, Nigeria, when the Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Nigeria, in partnership with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), brought together journalists, faith leaders, and government representatives for an Interfaith Iftar and Media Engagement at the NUJ Press Centre. The gathering provided a space for dialogue, reflection, and a shared commitment to fostering peace.
Centered on the principle of “One Family under God,” the event highlighted the idea that shared humanity transcends religious and ethnic differences. As Muslim and Christian participants sat side by side to break their Ramadan and Lenten fasts, the symbolism was clear: unity is lived through intentional spaces where people come together in mutual respect and understanding. Even in regions marked by tension, common values such as faith, compassion, and empathy can create the foundation for national cohesion.
The engagement strategically focused on the media, one of society’s most influential sectors. In his keynote address, Reverend John Joseph Hayab, country director of GPF Nigeria, reminded journalists of their responsibility in shaping public perception. “The powerful pen of the media can either inflame division or foster understanding,” he said, urging participants to embrace conflict-sensitive reporting that highlights stories of resilience, cooperation, and hope.
A diverse assembly of media practitioners and religious stakeholders unified under the ‘One Family under God’ vision during the Interfaith Iftar
The call resonated with attendees. NUJ Kaduna State Council Chairman, Mr. Abdulgafar Alabelewe, affirmed the journalists’ commitment to professional integrity. “I sincerely commend the Global Peace Foundation for recognizing the media as the true watchdog of society,” he said. “We reaffirm our commitment to responsible reporting, especially during this sensitive period of Ramadan and Lent fasting.”
The dialogue also emphasized the connection between media, family, and society. Speakers highlighted that many national challenges, including insecurity and intolerance, often begin within the family unit. Equipping journalists not only as professionals but also as peace ambassadors, mentors, and role models at home extends the impact of peacebuilding beyond the newsroom. Participants were encouraged to carry values of tolerance and unity into everyday life, reinforcing peace at both societal and domestic levels.
For many, the event was deeply meaningful. Hajia, NUJ Zonal Chairlady, shared, “This initiative is geared toward promoting peace and unity. As Muslims and Christians, we must come together to build a peaceful nation.” Her call for more specialized training programs reflected a growing awareness of the media’s potential as agents of peace. Similarly, Comrade Usman Sani, a former NUJ chairman, emphasized the urgency of collective action: “We must all partner with the Global Peace Foundation to spread this message of unity, starting from our homes and extending into our workplaces.”
A profound display of the ‘One Family under God’ vision as Christian and Muslim participants share a joyful moment of sisterhood at the Interfaith Iftar.
Beyond personal reflections, the gathering achieved tangible outcomes. It strengthened interfaith relationships, fostered collaboration between media practitioners and religious leaders, generated national media coverage, and secured commitments from NUJ leadership to pursue further training in peace-focused journalism.
The Interfaith Iftar in Kaduna exemplifies the Global Peace Foundation’s community-driven peacebuilding approach, which emphasizes local ownership, dialogue, and the active participation of faith leaders, media professionals, families, and other stakeholders in shaping resilient, cohesive communities. By creating intentional spaces where diverse actors come together to model unity, responsibility, and shared humanity, GPF not only nurtures individual values but also strengthens the social fabric that sustains peace.
Supporting this work enables communities across Nigeria, and beyond, to cultivate lasting harmony. Learn more and discover how you can contribute to GPF’s community-driven peacebuilding initiatives.
