About Us
Background
The Ambassador Bernard Andrew Kaigama (ABAK) Peace Foundation was established out of a deep commitment to addressing the complex humanitarian, social, and developmental crises in conflict-affected communities.
Northern Nigeria, for decades, has been plagued by ethno-religious violence, farmer–herder clashes, terrorism, banditry, political instability, poverty, and large-scale displacement. These challenges have led to:
- Loss of countless lives and destruction of property.
- Massive displacement and growth of internally displaced persons (IDPs).
- Breakdown of trust and social cohesion.
- High rates of illiteracy and school dropouts, especially among girls.
- Limited access to healthcare, clean water, and basic infrastructure.
- Widespread unemployment, especially among youth.
Despite being home to two major faiths, Christianity and Islam, both of which uphold peace as a core value, Northern Nigeria has continued to face deep-seated challenges. These include entrenched mistrust between communities, the persistence of harmful stereotypes, and the absence of sustainable peacebuilding structures. Over the years, these issues have contributed to cycles of misunderstanding, tension, and in some cases, violence, affecting not only security but also social and economic development in the region.
In response to these pressing realities, Pst. Amb. Bernard Andrew Kaigama, a United Nations Positive Livelihood Award Centre (UN-POLAC) Ambassador for Peace, envisioned an initiative that would go beyond dialogue to deliver practical, sustainable solutions for unity and development. Inspired by a shared vision among peace advocates, he collaborated with other like-minded leaders to bring this dream to life.
The ABAK Peace Foundation was thus co-founded by a dedicated network of passionate individuals, notably Pst. Amb. Bernard Andrew Kaigama and Amb. Ishaya Adamu, a respected voice for equity, justice, and social stability. Together, they sought to create a platform that addresses the root causes of division, promotes inclusivity, and builds resilient communities through peace education, humanitarian outreach, and capacity-building programs to restore peace, rebuild livelihoods, empower the vulnerable, and promote inclusive development.
Their combined leadership, driven by conviction and experience, continues to position the Foundation as a beacon of hope, proving that peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of fairness, understanding, and shared progress.
Initially focused on Northern Nigeria, the Foundation’s work has grown in impact and demand, leading to expansion across Nigeria and into the African subregion, adapting its peacebuilding and development strategies to diverse cultural and conflict contexts.
Vision:
A peaceful and united society where all people live in harmony and enjoy equal opportunities.
Mission:
To foster unity, peace, and self-reliance among diverse communities through conflict resolution and empowerment programs that enhance potential and quality of life.
GOALS:
- Facilitate the permanent resolution of lingering community tensions.
- Empower communities through fair and equitable initiatives that reduce poverty and improve the quality of life.
STRATEGIES & APPROACHES
- Implement training and capacity-building programs to improve economic opportunities.
- Promote basic health education and modern agricultural practices to increase productivity.
- Provide consultancy and technical support to government agencies for effective service delivery.
- Rehabilitate, educate, and empower at-risk adolescents, substance abusers, displaced persons, and other vulnerable groups.
CORE VALUES – STRIP
- Selflessly Serving – Putting community needs first.
- Transparency with Integrity – Upholding truth and accountability.
- Resilience in Community – Staying committed in the face of challenges.
- Innovative Collaboration – Partnering for creative solutions.
- Positive Affirmation – Inspiring hope and confidence.
STRATEGIES AND APPROACHES:
The strategies and approaches of the foundation include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Implementation of programs and projects focused on training and capacity building to enhance beneficiaries’ economic and purchasing power
- Provision of basic health education and training in modern agricultural practices to boost productivity
- Offer consultancy and technical assistance to government implementing agencies to enhance efficiency and effective service delivery
- Rehabilitation, education, and empowerment of at-risk adolescents, such as substance abusers and internally displaced persons, as well as young people in general
LEGAL STATUS:
As a non-political, non-profit social and multi-cultural organization, the foundation is governed by an executive committee and is duly incorporated with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Adamawa State Planning Commission, and Emergency Management Agency in Yola, respectively.
