The Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Nigeria partnered with Bethel Candle of Hope for the Vulnerable to deliver the One Family Under God (OFUG) capacity-building workshop on June 12 and 13, 2024. Designed to promote peace and prosperity in their communities, 300 participants attended the workshop held at Bajju Hall in Hayin Banki Kaduna. The 40 faith leaders, 40 traditional/community leaders, 100 youth, and 120 women came together in a spirit of fellowship and learning to actively engage in the two-day training program.
Providing an overview of GPF’s vision of “One Family under God,” GPF Nigeria Country Director Reverend John Joseph Hayab highlighted the value of diversity and collaboration in peacebuilding. He said, “In our quest for peace, it is crucial to remember that every individual has a role to play. Together, we can build bridges across our differences and create a harmonious society.”
Rev. John Joseph Hayab introduces the One Family under God campaign at a 2-day training workshop in Nigeria.
Following Rev. Hayab’s overview, the workshop delved into several objectives related to the overall theme of understanding conflict and peacebuilding. Topics included the role of human rights, identity, and values in religious tolerance; methods and processes for conflict resolution and mediation; and human rights and responsibilities.
Attendees engaged in thought-provoking discussions and interactive exercises designed to create a rich knowledge-sharing environment and skill enhancement centered on interfaith collaboration as a foundational peacebuilding vehicle and conflict-resolution tool. These activities emphasized the power of dialogue and empathy in unifying people based on our shared humanity aligned with GPF’s vision of peaceful coexistence.
Groups engage in activities during GPF Nigeria peacebuilding workshop.
Pre-tests, post-tests, and evaluations of participants’ expectations and satisfaction were conducted to measure the workshop’s effectiveness in enhancing conflict resolution, interfaith dialogue, and community service skills. In addition, feedback was collected throughout the workshop via surveys and interactive discussions. At the end of the training, 99 percent of the 300 participants responded they were either fully equipped (267) or somewhat equipped (36) with practical knowledge and skills from the training. In addition, 98.6 percent noted that they were either significantly more motivated (272) or somewhat more motivated (24) for interfaith initiatives.
Participant gives a comment at a training hosted by GPF Nigeria.
Mamuda Shehu Galadima, Chief of Hayin Banki, expressed his gratitude to GPF Nigeria and Bethel Candle of Hope for the Vulnerable for conducting the OFUG peacebuilding workshop, noting that it represents a significant turning point for the community and state. Recognizing the value of inclusivity, Timothy, a youth leader, mentioned that the workshop was an eye-opener for both youth and the community. At the same time, Zainab Sani praised the workshop for its inclusion of women.
Participant recommendations underscore the workshop’s success. They include extending the program into other communities, expanding training sessions, providing regular and ongoing training to keep the momentum going, increasing publicity and awareness, and advocating for interfaith collaboration and its role in cultivating peace.
Participants show their support for the One Family under God campaign.
Joint training sessions have continued into July to reinforce the workshop’s skills and principles. These sessions allow the participants to further engage in collaborative interfaith discussions with people from diverse backgrounds as they continue their collective effort to achieve a unified goal of peace.
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