Rev. John Joseph Hayab speaking at the event
On February 24, 2026, the Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Nigeria, in collaboration with the community leadership of Hayin Banki, Kaduna State, convened Christian and Muslim leaders and residents in Hayin Banki for an interfaith fast-breaking and community dialogue. Held at the Hayin Banki Palace under the theme “Unity in Diversity: Strengthening Peace Through Shared Faith,” the program brought together 127 participants, including 20 community leaders, 15 faith leaders, 85 community members, and seven GPF Nigeria staff.
The initiative was designed to reinforce social cohesion in a community shaped by religious diversity. Rather than limiting engagement to formal dialogue, the program centered on a shared Ramadan fast-breaking (Iftar), creating space for direct interaction and relationship-building. The structure included opening remarks, goodwill messages from faith leaders, the breaking of the fast, and a closing charge focused on collective responsibility.
GPF Nigeria positioned local faith leaders as primary advocates for peace. Reverend Bulus Danyia, Pastor Seth Danjuma Wambai, and the Chief Imam of Hayin Banki shared a common platform, demonstrating visible collaboration across religious lines. Their participation signaled to congregants that peaceful coexistence is essential to community stability.
Abdul Ahmed, the event moderator
Reverend John Joseph Hayab, Country Director of GPF Nigeria, stated that the event reflected the foundation’s “One Family under God” framework, which emphasizes shared moral responsibility across faith traditions. He stressed that when religious leaders act together, they reduce the risk of misinformation, suspicion, and escalation during times of tension.
The program intentionally emphasized ownership. While GPF Nigeria facilitated and provided staffing support, mobilization was led by the Hayin Banki Peace and Reconciliation Committee and local community leadership. This approach strengthened local accountability and ensured that the initiative responded to the community’s realities.
Outcomes were evident at both relational and structural levels. Participants reported increased understanding of one another’s religious practices. Christian attendees gained firsthand exposure to Islamic fasting traditions, while Muslim participants experienced solidarity from Christian neighbors during a sacred observance. This exchange addressed common misconceptions and reduced social distance.
Faith leaders committed to continued collaboration beyond the event. A shared values-based framework was introduced to guide joint responses to local challenges, shifting engagement from sectarian advocacy to collective problem solving. Participants also agreed to maintain informal communication channels to “look out for each other,” strengthening early response mechanisms to potential conflict triggers.
Community Chief Alhaji Mahmuda Shehu Galadima publicly acknowledged the importance of the gathering, urging residents to extend the spirit of unity into their homes and businesses. His endorsement reinforced the legitimacy of the interfaith collaboration and strengthened public trust in the process.
Participants of the interfaith fast-breaking
Rev. Bulus Danyia added, “The Global Peace Foundation Nigeria deserves great commendation for organizing this evening program, which successfully fostered togetherness among people of different faiths. Witnessing Christians and Muslims sharing a meal has profoundly strengthened our commitment to peaceful coexistence in Hayin Banki.”
Pastor Seth Danjuma Wambai emphasized the practical implications of the gathering: “This event was not just a meal; it was a powerful reminder of our duty to look out for each other as neighbors. I believe this shared experience has created a solid foundation for sustainable peace and cooperation in our community.”
The impact of the event extends beyond a single evening. By integrating interfaith leadership into a culturally significant religious practice, the program established a replicable model for grassroots conflict prevention. The visible unity of faith leaders provides a counter-narrative to extremist messaging and reduces the likelihood that local disputes escalate along religious lines.
GPF Nigeria’s follow-through plan includes sustained engagement with faith leaders and community representatives to facilitate additional dialogues and joint service activities. The goal is to institutionalize collaboration so that peacebuilding becomes routine.
Learn more: Nigeria | Global Peace Foundation
