2025 WORLD PEACE DAY CELEBRATION

Introduction The 2025 World Peace Day Commemoration, hosted by the ABAK Peace Foundation Africa, was a monumental success and has been widely acclaimed as one of the most remarkable peace events ever held in Adamawa State and the northeastern region of Nigeria.
The event, held at the Banquet Hall of the Adamawa State Government House, Yola, began with a grand Peace March from the Unity Flyover to the Government House. The march drew thousands of enthusiastic participants, youth, women, traditional leaders, religious figures, civil society actors, and government officials, all united under one message: “Peace is Possible.”

Why Adamawa State?
Over the years, Adamawa State has experienced its share of insurgency, communal clashes, and other crises that have tested its resilience as a people. Recognizing both the challenges and the tremendous progress achieved under the current administration in restoring stability, ABAK Peace Foundation Africa deliberately chose Adamawa as the host for the 2025 World Peace Day Commemoration. The aim was to consolidate the peace gains, celebrate the progress made, and launch strategic initiatives to sustain harmony across the state, and by extension, across Africa.

Welcome Address and Induction of Traditional Rulers
In his welcome address, the President of the ABAK Peace Foundation Africa, Pastor Amb. Bernard A. Kaigama, commended the resilience of the people of Adamawa and congratulated 15 traditional rulers who were inducted as Peace Ambassadors.
The inductees included First-Class, Second-Class, and Third-Class traditional rulers from various parts of the state, a gesture symbolizing inclusiveness and recognition of the critical role traditional institutions play in conflict prevention and community reconciliation. Pastor Kaigama urged the newly inducted ambassadors to collaborate closely with the Foundation in grassroots peacebuilding, noting that as custodians of culture and morality, they occupy a unique position in sustaining peace and harmony among their people.
He also called on politicians to embrace politics as a platform for unity rather than division, and appealed to the state government to strengthen partnerships with peace-building organizations, particularly the newly established Adamawa State Peace Network, to consolidate ongoing peace efforts. In addition, he challenged religious leaders to unite and speak with one voice for the common good of society.

Event Highlights
One of the defining moments of the conference was the presentation of the “Champion of Peace and Justice” Award to His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, Executive Governor of Adamawa State. The award recognized his transformational leadership, commitment to justice, and tireless efforts in promoting unity, equity, and development.
Similarly, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, received a Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding contributions to peacebuilding, anti-corruption, and the promotion of public integrity.
The event also featured a high-level panel discussion focused on “Sustaining the Peace Gains Under Governor Fintiri’s Administration,” and a keynote lecture on “The Role of Traditional Rulers in Sustaining Peace.” Both sessions provided actionable insights on strengthening partnerships between government, traditional institutions, and civil society to ensure durable peace across the state.

Voices for Peace and Unveiling of “The Voices of Peace” Magazine
The “Voices for Peace” segment featured goodwill messages and testimonies from traditional rulers, community leaders, peace advocates, youth representatives, and international partners. Their messages underscored the shared belief that peace is both a personal responsibility and a collective mission.
A major highlight of the day was the unveiling of the maiden edition of the ABAK Peace Magazine, titled “The Voices of Peace.” The publication contains inspiring articles on peacebuilding, exclusive interviews with influential leaders, features on youth and women in peace, stories of transformation, and detailed coverage of the Foundation’s vision and programs.
The magazine aims to serve as a powerful advocacy and documentation tool, amplifying voices that inspire peaceful coexistence and shaping narratives of hope across Africa.

Strategic Peace Plan: Establishing Peace Clubs Across 21 Local Government Areas
As part of its long-term commitment to grassroots peace education, the ABAK Peace Foundation Africa unveiled its next major project, the establishment of Peace Clubs across all 21 Local Government Areas of Adamawa State.
The Peace Clubs will nurture young ambassadors of peace, promote tolerance, and foster a new generation of citizens who prioritize dialogue, respect, and national unity over division and violence.

Distinguished Attendance and Institutional Support
The conference attracted a distinguished array of guests, including captains of industry, faith leaders, traditional rulers, and representatives of civil society and international organizations.
Also in attendance were heads of security agencies: the Commissioner of Police, the Brigade Commander, the Director of DSS, the NSCDC State Commandant, and representatives of other security formations. Their presence reinforced the importance of inter-agency collaboration in maintaining peace and public safety.

A Call to Partnership
The Foundation used the occasion to extend an open call for partnership and collaboration with the Adamawa State Government, development partners, and global peace institutions. Pastor Kaigama reaffirmed the organization’s readiness to complement government efforts through advocacy, dialogue, and capacity-building programs that strengthen community resilience and foster sustainable peace.

Conclusion
The 2025 World Peace Day Commemoration in Adamawa State has set a new benchmark for peace advocacy, not only in Nigeria but across Africa. The event demonstrated the power of unity, the beauty of diversity, and the shared hope of a people determined to live in peace.
As ABAK Peace Foundation Africa continues to advance its mission of building bridges and promoting harmony across nations, it remains resolute in creating a legacy of peace that will echo for generations to come.
Please visit the gallery section of this report for photographs that capture moments from the event…