Global Peace Foundation Nigeria Engages Lapai Community To Mark 2025 International Peace Day With Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue

The Lapai Town Hall came alive on Wednesday 25th September, 2025 as diverse groups of leaders, institutions, and community members gathered to commemorate the 2025 International Day of Peace, a global observance dedicated to strengthening the ideals of peace. 

The event, organized by the Global Peace Foundation Nigeria (GPF Nigeria), drew prominent personalities from across Niger State, including lecturers from IBB University Lapai, religious leaders, traditional rulers, school teachers and students, security agencies, and members of the public.

Rev. John John Joseph Hayab, the Country Director of GPF Nigeria who was represented by Rimpyen Danjuma Yohana, the organization’s Youth and Education Development Officer, delivered a keynote address affirming the foundation’s commitment to building bridges across divides and empowering young people and women as drivers of peace. 

In his remarks, the GPF Nigeria representative emphasized the importance of strengthening community bonds through education, interfaith dialogue, and active youth engagement. 

He noted that peace cannot be left to governments alone but requires collaboration among religious institutions, academia, traditional rulers, and everyday citizens. 

 Rev. Hayab’s message delivered by his representative emphasized that “at the Global Peace Foundation Nigeria, we believe that sustainable peace is built on shared values and respect for human dignity.”

 He posited that understanding and embracing the foundation’s “One Family Under God.” Vision is key to actualizing a more peaceful society and world.  This vision he said, “calls us to rise above ethnic, religious, or political differences and to work together for the common good.”

Buttressing the importance of the annual commemoration, Rev. Hayab observed that “peace is too important to have only a single day earmarked for it because peace is what we need every day, so everyday should be a day of peace for us.”  

According to Rev. Hayab, “the theme for this year is quite apt and a timely call to action. It reminds us that peace cannot be postponed, negotiated indefinitely, or left in the hands of a few leaders, groups or individuals. It is an urgent responsibility that requires collective action today—from governments, civil society, religious institutions, traditional authorities, schools, families and indeed, every individual.” 

Speaking further, Rev. Hayab asserted that Nigeria, like many nations, faces challenges that test our unity—whether violent extremism, intercommunal conflict, economic inequality, or mistrust between groups. But the message of the day according to him, is clear: “we cannot wait for peace to arrive tomorrow—we must act now”. 

He added that in Niger State, with its rich diversity, we see both the challenges and opportunities of peacebuilding. Lapai, he said, stands as a symbol of what can be achieved when communities choose cooperation over conflict. He therefore expressed hope that the gathering inspires everyone present to act now and spread the message that peace is possible.

Presenting a paper at the event, former H.O.D, Biological Science and Head, Centre for Gender Affairs, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University Lapai, Professor Naomi John Dadi remarked that peace is not an abstract concept; it begins with each of us as individuals. 

"Before we can talk about building peace in our communities or in our nation, we must first be at peace with ourselves. Inner peace, she said, allows us to think clearly, to make just decisions, and to relate with others in fairness and respect. 

"From the self, peace extends to our families, and from our families, to our neighbors, communities, and ultimately our nation.”  She said.

While underscoring the place of gender equality in shaping peace and achieving sustainable peace and development, Prof. Naomi emphasized that no community can truly achieve peace if half of its population is excluded from decision-making or denied opportunities to contribute. 

The professor submitted that “when women and girls are given equal opportunities to contribute their ideas, skills, and leadership, the entire society benefits because women are nurturers and peacemakers in the home, but they are also community leaders, educators, and professionals who can strengthen peacebuilding efforts at every level.

”Professor Naomi concluded that peace is everyone’s responsibility, with every member of society having a role to play, thus urging participants to act now-whether by rejecting violence, practicing tolerance, promoting justice, or educating the next generation to respect one another. 

Considering that Local Government Elections in Niger State are scheduled to hold in November 2025, the event was also used to raise awareness on the impact of peaceful elections to the overall peace of the society. Hon Allahi Abubakar Taka Umar, the Executive Director of Operations, Niger State Emergency Management Agency  pointed out that local government election is an important feature of democracy but described as unfortunate how election times are when tensions rise, when differences are magnified, and when violence often erupts.

While reminding participants of the devasting consequences of electoral violence which aside setting society backwards, also involves lost of lives and properties, Hon. Abubakar called for peaceful conduct by the electorate, candidates as well as political parties involved in the election.  

He also emphasized the need for responsible media engagement, Early Warning Systems and more stakeholders’ engagement.

The event clearly depicted a Collective Commitment to fostering peaceful coexistence in the community as religious leaders joined voices, calling on citizens to embrace tolerance and reject hate-driven narratives.

Traditional rulers stressed the need for stronger cultural values that prioritize mutual respect, fairness, and dialogue in resolving disputes.

Security agencies pledged continued partnership with civil society, schools, and faith communities to foster peaceful coexistence.

 Schoolchildren and students enlivened the programme with poems and songs themed around unity and peaceful coexistence. 

Their performances served as powerful reminders that the future of peacebuilding lies in the hands of the younger generation.