Audience at the IVLP Connect program in Nigeria.
Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Nigeria partnered with the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) Alumni to host the IVLP Alumni Connect event in Abuja. The event, which was held on February 15, 2025, under the theme “Love as the Foundation for Peace and Security,” brought together leaders, professionals, and community members to discuss the role of love in fostering peace and security. It served as a platform for networking, dialogue, and collaboration among individuals committed to social cohesion and peacebuilding.
The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution hosted the gathering, which saw over 100 participants, including IVLP Alumni, representatives from the U.S. Embassy, religious and community leaders, and media professionals. The event opened with remarks from Rev. John Joseph Hayab, the Country Director of GPF Nigeria, who discussed the urgent need to restore love as a guiding principle in both family and community life. He emphasized that love is essential in addressing societal issues such as terrorism, crime, and ethnic tensions, urging attendees to become ambassadors of peace within their spheres of influence.
Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, the Director General of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, delivered a compelling keynote address, explaining the connection between love, peace, and security. He highlighted how love fosters belonging, encourages conflict resolution, and inspires a culture of nonviolence. Dr. Ochogwu also outlined key challenges facing Nigeria, such as ethnic and religious divisions, violent extremism, and economic inequality, and proposed solutions centered on value-based education, inclusive governance, and respect for human rights.
Rev. Hayab of GPF Nigeria speaks at the IVLP Connect event.
Throughout the event, participants engaged in discussions on how to integrate love into peacebuilding efforts. The IVLP Alumni, many of whom are professionals in diverse fields, shared their experiences in using their expertise to promote tolerance, social justice, and human rights. Dr. Barakat Sani, President of IVLP Alumni Nigeria, emphasized the power of alumni networks in driving transformative leadership and fostering cultural exchanges. She encouraged attendees to strengthen collaborations and leverage their collective knowledge to promote peace in their communities.
The event also included a panel discussion and testimonials from attendees, reinforcing the impact of love-based peacebuilding. Dr. Habiba Lawal, a former government official, highlighted how the event rekindled the spirit of service among alumni. Bashir Lawal, a first-time attendee, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to discuss practical ways to cultivate love in daily interactions. Mrs. Patience Ogolo Dickson, an advocate for disability rights, stressed the importance of inclusive love, calling for greater compassion toward marginalized groups.
IVLP alumi stand together during a collaborative event with Global Peace Foundation.
By the end of the event, participants had gained valuable insights into how love-based principles can serve as a foundation for lasting peace. This collaboration between GPF Nigeria and IVLP Alumni demonstrated the power of interfaith dialogue, community engagement, and leadership development in addressing societal challenges. Moving forward, the organizations plan to expand their outreach efforts, deepen their partnerships, and continue promoting love as a transformative force for unity, security, and sustainable development.
This event was a powerful reminder that love is more than just an emotion—it is a practical tool for conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and social harmony.
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