Recognizing that everyone has a role in peacebuilding, the Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Nigeria partnered with Bethel Candle of Hope for the Vulnerable (BCHV) to sponsor the formation and inauguration of the Hayin Banki Peace and Reconciliation Committee on July 17, 2024. The event saw 160 attendees, including diverse religious leaders, join forces to receive conflict resolution training, address local conflicts, and foster unity.
In her opening remarks, Mrs. Elizabeth Hassan, the BCHV coordinator, stressed that sustainable development is central to achieving peace. She also noted that merit and professional expertise were the driving factors in selecting the committee members. On behalf of GPF Nigeria Country Director Reverend John Joseph Hayab, Sheikh Halliru Abdullahi Maraya, the organization’s northern coordinator, emphasized that the committee’s mission was to achieve peace and reconciliation through conflict resolution and economic development.
Program Coordinator of Bethel Candle of Hope for the Vulnerable, Mrs. Elizabeth Hassan giving welcoming remarks.
Following the selection of the committee members and formal inauguration, Abdul Ahmed, GPF Nigeria’s senior program manager, led a training session on conflict resolution techniques. During the session, participants gained valuable knowledge and skills essential to address community disputes.
In addition, the attendees developed a comprehensive action plan to ensure sustainability. This included identifying immediate priorities and setting short-term and long-term goals where committee members are motivated to fully embrace their roles to facilitate peace and social cohesion in their communities.
Participants sign in at the Hayin Banki Peace and Reconciliation Committe inauguration ceremony.
The Hayin Banki Peace and Reconciliation Committee’s core consists of three strategic objectives: enhancing conflict resolution skills, promoting interfaith cooperation, and strengthening community cohesion. These objectives were achieved through effective conflict resolution training, encouraging participation by diverse interfaith leaders, and fostering unity and collaboration among its members.
Malam Mamuda S. Galadima, the chief of Hayin Banki, fully endorsed the committee when he stated, “The formation of the Hayin Banki Peace and Reconciliation Committee has been a transformative experience for our community. Seeing leaders from different faiths come together to work towards a common goal of peace and harmony has been truly inspiring.”
Leaders of the newly formed Hayin Banki Peace and Reconciliation Committee echoed Chief Galadima’s remarks. For example, Chairman Imam Abdulsalam, noted, “The training on conflict resolution has been particularly impactful, providing us with the tools needed to address and de-escalate tensions within our community.” In addition, Pastor Emmanuel James, vice chairman, commented, “I believe this initiative will pave the way for a more united and peaceful Hayin Banki.”
Audience at the inauguration of the Hayin Banki Peace and Reconciliation Committee.
Community engagement and ownership are crucial to the initiative’s success. Participation by local leaders and stakeholders provides much-needed support for the committee’s efforts, thereby aligning with the community’s needs and furthering sustainability. A community dialogue forum with security agencies took place in August to increase support for the committee’s work.
The Hayin Banki Peace and Reconciliation Committee brings diverse community members together to achieve peaceful coexistence. Interfaith and other leaders are united in their collective efforts to become effective peacebuilders in their communities, benefiting everyone regardless of background or faith. Your donations to the Global Peace Foundation help support peace and reconciliation like the transformative committees in Nigeria.
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