News
GPFN embarks on peace campaign to unfriendly Kaduna communities
By Achadu Gabriel, kaduna
The Global Peace Foundation Nigeria (GPFN) has intensified its grassroots peacebuilding efforts with the launch of a renewed peace campaign in Nasarawa and Kakuri communities of Kaduna State.
The intervention forms part of a six-month programme designed to deepen social cohesion and prevent any resurgence of tensions that have previously strained relations between the neighbouring communities.
The campaign is structured as a multi-stakeholder engagement, bringing together religious leaders, traditional rulers, youth groups, and women associations.
It is focused on promoting dialogue, strengthening early warning systems, and encouraging non-violent communication as practical tools for sustaining peace at the community level.
Speaking during the intervention, the Country Director of GPFN, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, explained that the initiative became necessary in response to earlier misunderstandings between the two communities.
He asserted that peacebuilding must remain proactive rather than reactive, especially in areas with histories of tension.
“Nasarawa and Kakuri are neighboring communities. A few months ago, there was tension and confusion due to certain differences,” he said.
“As peace advocates, we feel we should not allow a repeat of that, so we introduced a programme to promote social cohesion.” he said
Rev. Hayab further disclosed that the intervention was developed in close collaboration with traditional institutions in the area.
According to him, consultations were held with the chiefs of both Nasarawa and Kakuri communities, who jointly agreed to host the stakeholders’ engagement as a demonstration of unity and commitment to peace.
“We requested the chief of Nasarawa to come, and he reached out to the chief of Kakuri, and they agreed to host us in one place to show willingness for peace intervention,” he added.
He emphasized that sustainable peace cannot be achieved without deliberate efforts to improve communication among residents.
According to him, most communal disputes are often worsened by poor dialogue, misinterpretation of intentions, and unresolved grievances that are allowed to linger.
“When people begin to respect each other and learn how to speak to one another, the possibility of tension like what we experienced months ago will not come,” he said.
Community leaders at the event also commended the initiative, describing it as timely and necessary for sustaining unity between the two neighbouring communities.
They reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful coexistence and pledged continued collaboration with peace actors working in the area.
Represented by Yusuf Muhammad Yunus, the Sarkin Nasarawa, Mr. Adam A. Adam, described the area as a cosmopolitan community where Christians and Muslims have lived together peacefully over the years.
He noted that although there were recent disturbances, they have been addressed through dialogue and mutual understanding, while calling for continuous efforts to sustain peace.
“We had a small crisis between Christians and Muslims, but now the community is settled,” he said.
Also speaking, Reverend Garba Samaila Sani, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Nasarawa zone, and Mallam Muhammed Akilu of the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), emphasized the critical role of religious leaders in promoting peace through constant sensitisation and community education.
They added that both faiths remain united in their commitment to peaceful coexistence.
While pledging continued collaboration, they stressed that peace remains the foundation for development and progress in any society, warning that no meaningful growth can take place in an atmosphere of conflict or division.
The Global Peace Foundation Nigeria reiterated that the campaign is aimed at expanding her One Family Under God campaign for entrenching lasting harmony between the communities and preventing any recurrence of violence, noting that peace remains a critical driver of stability, development, and social progress in Kaduna State.
By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Lagos State Government has intensified enforcement actions against street begging, destitution, cart pushers and buyers of condemned goods, while also reinforcing the existing ban on commercial motorcycle (Okada) operations as part of its environmental and security management strategy.
The exercise, which took place on June 10, 2026, was overseen by the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, led by Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab, under the supervision of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Authorities said affected individuals were relocated from Lagos streets to their respective states of origin, though the state government has not released official figures on the number of persons involved.
The enforcement has generated public debate, with some commentators praising the move as a step toward restoring order and addressing urban safety concerns. Public affairs commentator Dr. Zainab Suleiman Buhari described the operation as a “bold step,” urging other state governments to adopt similar approaches while emphasizing that interventions should remain humane and legally guided.
She also called for broader reforms in northern Nigeria, including improved access to education, skills development programmes, and economic empowerment initiatives to reduce street begging and child vulnerability. However, she stressed that poverty should be addressed through policy reforms rather than stigma.The Lagos State Government maintains that the exercise is part of ongoing efforts to improve public sanitation, safety and compliance with existing regulations.
By Okechukwu Keshi Ukegbu
A campaign slogan by House of Representatives aspirant for Obingwa, Osisioma Ngwa and Ugwunagbo Federal Constituency, Solomon Akpulonu, has drawn reflection on the nature of political power and divine authority. The slogan, “Ikemsinachi,” translated as “my power comes from God,” is described by the writer as a reminder that authority and promotion are ultimately determined by God, rather than human effort alone.
Referencing biblical texts including Psalm 62:11 and Psalm 75:6–7, the author argues that leadership positions are not solely the result of ambition or strategy, but are shaped by divine will. The reflection also urges political actors and aspirants to embrace humility in their pursuit of office, cautioning against excessive ambition and self-reliance. It further emphasizes the importance of integrity, moderation, and service-oriented leadership.
Drawing from additional scriptural references such as James 4:14–16, the piece highlights the uncertainty of life and the need for individuals to acknowledge the limitations of human plans. The author concludes that Akpulonu’s slogan should serve as a broader moral lesson for political actors ahead of future elections, encouraging them to prioritize humility, purpose, and a recognition of divine authority in leadership aspirations.
By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo
The Ibeno Clan Council has called on the Akwa Ibom State Government and security agencies to investigate a publication it says misrepresented the community’s position on the proposed BUA Refinery Project in Ibeno Local Government Area.
In a statement issued on Monday in Upenekang and signed by the Council Secretary, Chief Okon Udofia, the council said the report created the impression that Ibeno residents oppose the refinery project and other investments in the area.
According to the council, such narratives could negatively affect the community’s reputation and potentially discourage investment in Akwa Ibom State.The council expressed concern over what it described as efforts to portray Ibeno as hostile to development, particularly at a time when the state government is seeking to attract major investments.
It urged authorities to examine the publication and determine whether it represented a personal opinion or a broader attempt to create tension between Ibeno and neighbouring communities.The council also requested that the author of the publication be invited by relevant authorities to clarify the claims made and the interests represented in the report.
Reaffirming its support for development initiatives, the council stated that Ibeno has consistently welcomed investments and described the BUA Refinery Project as a strategic development with potential benefits for the host community, Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria.
The statement further pledged continued cooperation with the state government and other stakeholders to maintain a peaceful environment for investment and economic growth. The council also urged residents and stakeholders to promote unity and avoid actions or narratives that could undermine peace and development in the state.
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