The Global Peace Foundation (GPF) continues to take positive and practical actions to advance peace and harmony around the world. Guided by the vision of One Family Under God, GPF promotes shared values that transcend religion, ethnicity, and nationality to inspire individuals and communities to live for the greater good. This vision was beautifully demonstrated in Lagos, Nigeria, where GPF Nigeria, in collaboration with the Community Initiatives for Enlightenment, Morality and Value System (CIEMVS), hosted the Interfaith Peace Lunch themed “Taking Positive Actions for the Peace of the World.”
Group photo from Lagos Lunch for Peace
The event, held at the Maximum Output Training Center in Isolo, Lagos, brought together 24 participants, including faith leaders, police officers, women representatives, and community members. The gathering created a meaningful space for reflection, dialogue, and shared commitment to peacebuilding. It embodied GPF Nigeria’s mission to strengthen interfaith leadership, promote moral values, and nurture strong families as the foundation of a peaceful society.
Reverand John Joseph Hayab, country director of GPF Nigeria, in his keynote address, challenged participants to move beyond tolerance toward genuine love and cooperation. He emphasized that peace is a lifestyle that begins with individual actions rooted in compassion, understanding, and moral leadership. His message fortified the idea that when people see one another as members of one human family, divisions lose their power. He encouraged participants to become peace ambassadors within their own communities by promoting respect and empathy in everyday life.
The highlight of the event was an interactive session on peace promotion and value systems, where participants shared reflections on how families can become the first classrooms for peace. Discussions focused on the need to teach children tolerance, respect, and service from an early age. Participants agreed that lasting peace begins at home, with parents playing a key role in modeling moral behavior and resolving conflict peacefully.
Pastor Femi Adekunle shared that the Peace Lunch broke down barriers he did not know existed, leading him to partner with a local mosque for a joint community clean-up. Mrs. Aisha Bello, a community woman, shared that she would begin teaching her children respect for all tribes and religions, recognizing that peace begins in the home. Police Inspector Chinedu Okoro remarked that the event reshaped his understanding of peacebuilding, reminding him that his role extends beyond enforcing order to fostering dialogue and trust within communities.
Dr. Babarinde Kehinde, CIEMVS national director’s message reinforced the belief that sustainable peace can be achieved when people embrace moral values, uphold justice, and act with compassion in their daily lives. Encouraged that peace must be practical, reflected in the homes, workplaces, and relationships, participants expressed a deepened sense of responsibility to act as peacebuilders in their daily lives. New interfaith community projects were proposed during the event, illustrating how collaboration rooted in shared values can produce tangible outcomes. The visible participation of faith and law enforcement leaders also strengthened trust among communities and modeled cooperation that others can emulate.
Across continents, the Global Peace Foundation is serving people and communities to build models for peace and social development.
