In a historic moment for Nigeria and the Commonwealth, two Nigerians, Reverend Dr. James Movel Wuye and Imam Dr. Muhammad Nurayn Ashafa, have been named the inaugural winners of the Commonwealth Peace Prize. The prestigious award, accompanied by a £50,000 cash prize, was announced on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, recognizing their extraordinary contributions to peacebuilding and reconciliation in Nigeria. As co-founders of the Interfaith Mediation Centre, Wuye and Ashafa have set a global benchmark for fostering harmony across religious divides, earning them this well-deserved accolade.
The story of Wuye and Ashafa is one of transformation and resilience. Both men were once adversaries during the violent religious conflicts that plagued Nigeria, particularly in the 1990s. Reverend Wuye, a Christian pastor, and Imam Ashafa, a Muslim cleric, found themselves on opposing sides of the divide in Kaduna, a city notorious for sectarian clashes. Wuye lost his right arm in one such confrontation, while Ashafa suffered the personal tragedy of losing family members to the violence. Their paths could have remained steeped in enmity, but a shared commitment to peace changed everything.
In 1995, the two men met at a mediation event and began a dialogue that would alter the course of their lives and communities. Overcoming deep-seated animosity, they co-founded the Interfaith Mediation Centre, an organization dedicated to bridging the gap between Christians and Muslims in Nigeria. What started as a personal reconciliation has blossomed into a nationwide movement, promoting mutual understanding and preventing violent conflict through dialogue and cooperation.
The Commonwealth Peace Prize, launched by the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Khalili Foundation, honors individuals who demonstrate exceptional dedication to peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and social cohesion. Wuye and Ashafa’s work stood out to the adjudication panel for several reasons:
Bridging Religious Divides
Through the Interfaith Mediation Centre, they have facilitated countless workshops, training sessions, and dialogues that bring together religious leaders and community members from diverse backgrounds. Their efforts have diffused tensions in hotspots across Nigeria, including Kaduna, Plateau, and Bauchi states.
Preventing Violence
Their mediation initiatives have directly intervened in potential conflicts, offering non-violent solutions to disputes that might otherwise have escalated. By training youth and community leaders as peace ambassadors, they’ve created a ripple effect of tolerance and understanding.
Setting a Global Standard
Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland praised their “dedication to bridging religious divides, fostering mutual understanding, and preventing violent conflict,” noting that their work has made a “profound impact” and set a global benchmark for peacebuilding. Their model of interfaith collaboration has inspired similar efforts beyond Nigeria’s borders.
Their nomination by the Federal Government of Nigeria shows the national significance of their work, and their victory highlights the power of grassroots initiatives in addressing systemic challenges.
The £50,000 Commonwealth Peace prize, to be formally conferred on March 10, 2025, during a Commonwealth Day ceremony at Marlborough House in London, will support the continued expansion of their peacebuilding efforts. The event will gather dignitaries, leaders, and stakeholders from across the Commonwealth to celebrate Wuye and Ashafa’s achievements and their role as role models for future generations.
In her congratulatory message, Scotland emphasized, “As distinguished practitioners, we are confident they will serve as role models for future generations of aspiring peacebuilders.” The financial award will bolster the Interfaith Mediation Centre’s programs, enabling Wuye and Ashafa to reach more communities and amplify their message of unity.
The victory of Wuye and Ashafa comes at a time when Nigeria, and the world, grapples with division and conflict. Their story is a testament to the transformative power of forgiveness, dialogue, and collaboration. From former foes to partners in peace, they have shown that even the deepest wounds can heal with commitment and compassion.
As the global spotlight shines on these two Nigerian heroes, their win is not just a personal triumph but a collective one for all who believe in the possibility of peace. With the £50,000 prize in hand, Wuye and Ashafa are poised to continue their vital work, proving that harmony can prevail even in the most challenging circumstances. Congratulations to these trailblazers—Nigeria’s pride and the Commonwealth’s inspiration!
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