Two Nigerians win £50,000 Commonwealth peace prize

Two Nigerians, James Wuye and Muhammad Ashafa, have been named winners of the inaugural Commonwealth Peace Prize.

The co-founders of the Interfaith Mediation Centre were recognised for their exceptional contributions to “peacebuilding and reconciliation” in Nigeria.

The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland, announced their win on Wednesday in a congratulatory letter addressed to the Deputy High Commissioner of Nigeria, Sani Suleiman.

She said the panel was impressed by the outstanding work of the Nigerians, noting that their efforts have set a global benchmark for peacebuilding and reconciliation.

Scotland added that their “dedication to bridging religious divides, fostering mutual understanding, and preventing violent conflict has made a profound impact”.

The letter read in parts, “As distinguished practitioners, we are confident they will serve as role models for future generations of aspiring peacebuilders. If there are pertinent issues, we would be grateful if such notification is provided in writing by Thursday, 20 February 2025, to the head of the social policy development section, Mr. Layne Robinson, at (robinson@commonwealth.int).

In the absence of any objections by this date, we will proceed with the necessary arrangements to honour the awardees.

We sincerely appreciate your support in this endeavour and look forward to working together to celebrate and promote excellence in peacebuilding across the Commonwealth.”

The Commonwealth Peace Prize award, which began on September 21, 2024, aims to recognise outstanding individuals who contribute to global peacebuilding efforts.

The Peace Prize will be formally conferred on March 10 at a special ceremony to mark Commonwealth Day at Marlborough House in London, the United Kingdom.

The winners will be presented with the award and a financial compensation of £50,000 to continue their important work.