(Commonwealth)_ The inaugural Commonwealth Peace Prize has been awarded to Rev. Dr. James Movel Wuye and Imam Dr. Muhammad Nurayn Ashafa, recognizing their extraordinary efforts in peacebuilding and conflict resolution in Nigeria. The announcement was made by the Government of Nigeria, celebrating the joint winners for their dedication to fostering interfaith dialogue and reconciliation. The Commonwealth Peace Prize forms part of a multi-phase collaboration between the Khalili Foundation and the Commonwealth Secretariat, aimed at amplifying peace initiatives across the 56 member states. As joint winners, Rev. Wuye and Imam Ashafa will share a £50,000 prize to further expand their impactful work.
The award ceremony is scheduled for Monday, 10 March 2025, during the Commonwealth Day reception at Marlborough House. To commemorate the event, a special performance of ‘Love in Peace’, a song by Andrew Lloyd Webber with lyrics by Ben Elton and additional contributions from Bruno Major, will be performed by singers from the BRIT School and the Choir of The Queen’s College, Oxford.
Rev. Wuye and Imam Ashafa, founders of the Interfaith Mediation Centre in Nigeria, have gained international recognition for their work in promoting peace and mutual understanding between Christians and Muslims. Their journey began in the early 1990s when both men were on opposing sides of a violent conflict. However, a mutual friend challenged them to choose between perpetuating the cycle of violence or becoming agents of peace after they suffered personal losses. United by their commitment to reconciliation, they formed the Interfaith Mediation Centre in 1995.
The centre has grown into a grassroots organization with over 20,000 members, working to mediate conflicts, prevent youth radicalization, and train influential community figures such as women, religious leaders, and tribal elders to become civic peace activists. Their work has inspired countless others and serves as a model for conflict resolution worldwide. The Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, emphasized the importance of celebrating peacebuilders, especially in a world grappling with multiple conflicts. She highlighted the significance of promoting peace within the Commonwealth’s member states through dialogue and advocacy, expressing pride in honoring these inspiring leaders from Nigeria.
Professor Sir Nasser David Khalili, Founder and Chairman of the Khalili Foundation, reiterated the belief that peace and harmony are essential for humanity’s empowerment. He commended Rev. Wuye and Imam Ashafa for transforming their former enmity into a powerful partnership for peace, hoping their model would inspire similar initiatives throughout the Commonwealth.
The Khalili Foundation, a global leader in promoting interfaith and intercultural relations, has collaborated with the Commonwealth Secretariat since 2017, using art, culture, and education as tools for peacebuilding. This long-standing partnership has now expanded to include the Commonwealth Peace Prize, which will be awarded every three years.
In addition to receiving the prize, Rev. Wuye and Imam Ashafa will serve as advisors for the Commonwealth’s peacebuilding initiatives. Their expertise will support the Commonwealth’s partnership with the Khalili Foundation, helping to foster conflict resolution strategies across its member states.
Furthermore, a group of outstanding nominees for the Peace Prize has been selected as Commonwealth Peace Prize Fellows. These individuals will form a network of multidisciplinary experts dedicated to mentoring and upskilling young people across the Commonwealth, strengthening the next generation of peacebuilders. The establishment of the Commonwealth Peace Prize marks a significant step in advancing global peace efforts. By recognizing and supporting leaders like Rev. Wuye and Imam Ashafa, the prize celebrates their achievements and reinforces the Commonwealth’s commitment to fostering sustainable peace and social cohesion throughout its member states.
