‘Groundbreaking!’ Two Nigerians Win First-Ever Commonwealth Peace Prize

OwelekeTV (News) — Two Nigerian peacebuilders, James Wuye and Muhammad Ashafa, have been awarded the first-ever Commonwealth Peace Prize, receiving a £50,000 grant in recognition of their exceptional contributions to peacebuilding and reconciliation in Nigeria.

Wuye and Ashafa, co-founders of the Interfaith Mediation Centre, were selected for their efforts in bridging religious divides and fostering dialogue to prevent violent conflicts. Their work has been widely acknowledged as a model for global peace initiatives.

The announcement was made by Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland in a congratulatory letter to Nigeria’s Deputy High Commissioner, Sani Suleiman, on Wednesday.

Global Recognition for Peacebuilding

Scotland commended the duo for their commitment to conflict resolution and social harmony, emphasizing the impact of their work.

“The panel was deeply impressed by the outstanding work of these Nigerians,” Scotland stated. “Their dedication to bridging religious divides, fostering mutual understanding, and preventing violent conflict has made a profound impact.”

She further described their efforts as setting a global benchmark for peacebuilding and reconciliation.

Commonwealth Peace Prize

The Commonwealth Peace Prize was launched on September 21, 2024, to recognize individuals making significant contributions to global peace efforts. Wuye and Ashafa’s selection as the inaugural winners underscores the significance of their mediation work in Nigeria, a country often grappling with religious and ethnic tensions.