Nigeria’s Inter-faith Peace Advocates Win Inaugural Commonwealth Peace Prize

Two Nigerian peacebuilders, Reverend Dr. James Movel Wuye and Imam Dr. Muhammad Nurayn Ashafa, have been named the winners of the inaugural Commonwealth Peace Prize for their outstanding contributions to peacebuilding and inter-faith dialogue.

The duo, co-founders of the Interfaith Mediation Centre, were nominated by the Federal Government of Nigeria, a move that has now earned global recognition for their tireless efforts in bridging religious divides and fostering mutual understanding.

The announcement was made in a congratulatory message signed by Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland, and addressed to Nigeria’s Deputy High Commissioner, Sani Suleiman.

Scotland praised Wuye and Ashafa’s commitment to preventing violent conflict, describing their work as a model for global peacebuilding efforts.

“The Pan-Commonwealth High-Level Adjudication Panel was impressed by the outstanding work of Wuye and Ashafa, whose dedication to bridging religious divides, fostering mutual understanding, and preventing violent conflict has made a profound impact,” Scotland stated.

She further emphasised that their contributions have not only transformed communities across the Commonwealth but have also set a benchmark for reconciliation efforts worldwide.

“As distinguished practitioners, we are confident they will serve as role models for future generations of aspiring peacebuilders,” she added.

The Commonwealth Peace Prize will be officially conferred on Commonwealth Day, slated for Monday, March 10, 2025, at Marlborough House, London, United Kingdom.

The prestigious ceremony is expected to gather key dignitaries, leaders, and stakeholders from across the Commonwealth to honour the remarkable achievements of the awardees.

Scotland also urged Nigeria’s Deputy High Commissioner to communicate any concerns regarding the award before Thursday, February 20, 2025.

“If there are pertinent issues, grateful if such notification is provided in writing by Thursday, 20 February 2025, to the Head of Social Policy Development Section, Mr. Layne Robinson, at ([email protected]),” she stated.

“In the absence of any objections by this date, we will proceed with the necessary arrangements to honour the awardees. We sincerely appreciate your support in this endeavour and look forward to working together to celebrate and promote excellence in peacebuilding across the Commonwealth.”