In a remarkable recognition of their tireless efforts in promoting peace and religious harmony, the co-founders of the Interfaith Mediation Centre, Reverend Dr. James Movel Wuye and Imam Dr. Muhammad Nurayn Ashafa, have been named the winners of the inaugural Commonwealth Peace Prize.
The announcement was made via the official X handle of Nigerian Stories, marking a historic moment for Nigeria and the global interfaith peace movement. The Commonwealth Peace Prize, introduced to honor individuals and organizations making exceptional contributions to conflict resolution and reconciliation across member states, acknowledges the profound impact of Wuye and Ashafa’s decades-long commitment to bridging religious divides.
Reverend Dr. Wuye and Imam Dr. Ashafa, once on opposing sides of religious conflicts in Nigeria, transformed their past differences into a force for unity. Their Interfaith Mediation Centre has been instrumental in fostering dialogue between Christian and Muslim communities, preventing violence, and promoting peaceful coexistence across Nigeria and beyond. Their innovative approach to mediation has gained international recognition, inspiring similar peace-building initiatives worldwide.
This prestigious award reaffirms the crucial role of interfaith collaboration in addressing sectarian tensions and underscores Nigeria’s potential as a beacon of peace in the Commonwealth. The duo’s victory is not only a personal achievement but a testament to the power of reconciliation and the urgent need for sustained efforts in conflict resolution.
As the world grapples with rising religious and ethnic tensions, the recognition of Wuye and Ashafa’s work sends a powerful message: peace is possible when dialogue triumphs over division.
PIONEER NEWS 