Reverend Dr. James Movel Wuye and Imam Dr. Muhammad Nurayn Ashafa, co-founders of the Interfaith Mediation Centre in Nigeria, have been awarded the inaugural Commonwealth Peace Prize. This prestigious recognition comes with a £50,000 award to support their ongoing peacebuilding efforts. Their nomination, submitted by the Nigerian government, was selected for their exceptional contributions to peacebuilding and reconciliation. The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland, highlighted their dedication to bridging religious divides, fostering mutual understanding, and preventing violent conflict, noting that their work has set a global benchmark for peacebuilding and reconciliation. 

The Commonwealth Peace Prize, organised by the Khalili Foundation in partnership with the Commonwealth Secretariat, aims to recognise distinguished individuals who have significantly contributed to conflict resolution, social cohesion, and sustainable peace within the Commonwealth. The award will be formally presented during a special ceremony on Commonwealth Day, Monday, March 10, 2025, at Marlborough House in London. 

Reverend Dr. Wuye and Imam Dr. Ashafa have been instrumental in promoting interfaith dialogue and understanding in Nigeria, working tirelessly to mediate conflicts and build bridges between communities of different faiths. Their efforts have not only inspired communities across the Commonwealth but have also served as a model for effective peacebuilding initiatives worldwide. 

The Commonwealth Peace Prize seeks to celebrate such transformative peacebuilders and encourage the continuation of their vital work in fostering harmony and understanding across diverse societies.