Nigerian peacebuilders James Wuye and Muhammad Ashafa have won the inaugural Commonwealth Peace Prize for their contributions to reconciliation and conflict resolution. Honored for bridging religious divides, they will receive a £50,000 award at a Commonwealth Day ceremony in London on March 10, 2025, to support their peace initiatives.
Nigerian peacebuilders James Wuye and Muhammad Ashafa have been named the winners of the inaugural Commonwealth Peace Prize for their outstanding contributions to reconciliation and peacebuilding in Nigeria.
The announcement was made by Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland in a letter to Nigeria’s Deputy High Commissioner, Sani Suleiman. She praised Wuye and Ashafa for their dedication to fostering interfaith dialogue, preventing violence, and bridging religious divides. Their efforts, she noted, have set a global benchmark for conflict resolution.
Scotland expressed confidence that the duo will inspire future generations of peacebuilders. The letter also stated that any objections to their selection must be submitted by February 20, 2025, after which arrangements for the official award ceremony will proceed.
The Commonwealth Peace Prize, established on September 21, 2024, aims to recognize individuals making significant strides in global peace efforts. The formal presentation of the award, along with a £50,000 financial grant, will be held on March 10, 2025, during Commonwealth Day celebrations at Marlborough House in London.
The financial support will aid Wuye and Ashafa in expanding their peacebuilding initiatives, furthering their mission of fostering harmony in communities affected by religious and ethnic tensions. Their recognition highlights Nigeria’s contributions to international peace efforts and reinforces the importance of dialogue in resolving conflicts.
Their work, through the Interfaith Mediation Centre, has been instrumental in promoting peaceful coexistence, earning them global recognition and solidifying their status as role models in the field of peacebuilding.
