Nigerian Leaders Rev Wuye and Imam Ashafa Awarded Inaugural Commonwealth Peace Prize

Rev Dr James Movel Wuye and Imam Dr Muhammad Nurayn Ashafa have been named the first recipients of the Commonwealth Peace Prize, as announced by Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland and Sir Nasser David Khalili. They will share a £50,000 award to further their peace initiatives in Nigeria. The award will be presented during the Commonwealth Day reception in March 2025, accompanied by a special performance of ‘Love in Peace.’

The Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, and Professor Sir Nasser David Khalili, Founder and Chairman of the Khalili Foundation, have announced Rev Dr James Movel Wuye and Imam Dr Muhammad Nurayn Ashafa as the inaugural recipients of the Commonwealth Peace Prize. This prize recognizes their significant contributions to peace in Nigeria and was announced by the Nigerian government last week.

As part of a broader initiative between the Khalili Foundation and the Commonwealth Secretariat aimed at fostering peacebuilding across its 56 member states, the winners will receive a shared award of £50,000 to advance their important work. The award ceremony is planned for March 10, 2025, during the Commonwealth Day reception at Marlborough House, where a commemorative performance of the song “Love in Peace” will take place.

The Commonwealth Secretary-General emphasized the necessity of promoting positive change amid global conflicts. She stated, “In a fragmented world facing multiple conflicts, it is critically important to focus on those who are engendering transformative and positive change,” praising the efforts of these Nigerian leaders.

Sir David Khalili, Chairman of the Khalili Foundation, expressed his belief that peace is essential for humanity’s empowerment and commended the joint efforts of Rev Wuye and Imam Ashafa, both former adversaries now united in their mission to cultivate peace. He sees their partnership as a model for broader peacebuilding across the Commonwealth.

The Khalili Foundation has been instrumental for over three decades in fostering interfaith and intercultural dialogue through various projects, working alongside the Commonwealth Secretariat since 2017 to enable peacebuilding initiatives worldwide. Rev Wuye and Imam Ashafa founded the Interfaith Mediation Centre to facilitate understanding between Christians and Muslims in Nigeria and have gained international recognition for their reconciliation efforts.

Reflecting on their achievement, Rev Wuye and Imam Ashafa expressed deep gratitude for the award, acknowledging its significance as it honors both a Christian and a Muslim from Nigeria. They hope their success will inspire future generations of peacebuilders, stating, “We dedicate this amazing achievement to them.”

Having once belonged to opposing factions during the early 1990s conflicts in Nigeria, both leaders transformed their lives after personal losses led them to embrace peace over conflict. Together, they guide a grassroots organization that actively mediates and prevents conflict, engaging over 20,000 members, including youth, religious leaders, and women, fostering civic peace activism.

Rev Wuye and Imam Ashafa were selected as winners through a detailed evaluation process that included expert assessments and contributions from the Commonwealth’s High Commissioners. They will also serve as advisors on peace initiatives, while selected nominees will become Commonwealth Peace Prize Fellows, supporting young leaders across the Commonwealth.

The inaugural Commonwealth Peace Prize honors Rev Dr James Movel Wuye and Imam Dr Muhammad Nurayn Ashafa for their remarkable contributions to peace in Nigeria. This award highlights the vital role of interfaith dialogue in conflict resolution, and their commitment to fostering understanding will inspire future peace efforts globally. As the prize is awarded every three years, it aims to recognize ongoing peacebuilding initiatives across the Commonwealth.

Original Source: thecommonwealth.org