Former Enemies Unite for Peace: Nigerian Religious Leaders to be Honoured at Commonwealth Day
The Khalili Foundation is proud to announce the first-ever Commonwealth Peace Prize, to be awarded to two exceptional peacebuilders from Nigeria at the upcoming Commonwealth Day reception on March 10th at Marlborough House.
Pastor Dr James Movel Wuye and Imam Dr Muhammad Nurayn Ashafa, founders of the Interfaith Mediation Centre in Nigeria, have been named as joint winners of this prestigious new award. Their extraordinary journey from adversaries to allies embodies the core values of our foundation and exemplifies the transformative power of reconciliation and interfaith dialogue.
In a special tribute to this inaugural award, acclaimed composer Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber has composed a commemorative song to be performed by singers from the BRIT School and the Queen’s College Oxford Choir during the ceremony.
The story of Pastor Wuye and Imam Ashafa perfectly illustrates our foundation’s mission. Once leaders of opposing militias in the religious conflicts of 1990s Nigeria, they each suffered personal losses before choosing a path of peace over continued hostility.
Together, they established the Interfaith Mediation Centre, which has now grown to include over 10,000 members dedicated to fostering Christian-Muslim dialogue and preventing young people from joining conflicts. Their work extends to training women, religious figures, and tribal leaders to become advocates for peace in their communities.
Our Chairman, Professor Sir Nasser David Khalili, expressed his admiration for the winners: “It is my fervent belief that peace and harmony are prerequisites to an empowered humanity. I heartily applaud these two men of faith, once enemies, who are now working in harmony to build peace in their country. It is my vision that this model will be used as a template to multiply our peacebuilding work throughout the Commonwealth.”
The Commonwealth Peace Prize represents a significant milestone in our long-standing collaboration with the Commonwealth Secretariat, dating back to 2017. The prize includes a shared award of £50,000 to support the winners in expanding their vital work.
Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, remarked: “In a fragmented world facing multiple conflicts, it is critically important to focus on those who are engendering transformative and positive change. Helping to promote peace within our 56 member states, through constructive dialogue and ongoing advocacy, is the most important work that I do. I can think of no greater pleasure than honouring these inspiring leaders from Nigeria on Commonwealth Day.”
The joint winners were selected through a rigorous multi-stage process, involving Commonwealth High Commissioners, experts, and a representative from our Foundation.
Pastor Wuye and Imam Ashafa shared their thoughts on receiving this honour: “We are truly grateful to the Khalili Foundation and the Commonwealth Secretariat for this award and are humbled by the fact that it goes to a Christian and a Muslim from Nigeria. We have been fortunate to be surrounded by remarkable people and have played a role in supporting the transformation of many thousands of others; we dedicate this amazing achievement to them. We also hope that it serves as inspiration for a next generation of peacebuilders.”
Beyond receiving this prestigious award, they will serve as advisors for our continued partnership with the Commonwealth to promote peacebuilding and conflict resolution across the 56 member states.
Additionally, selected nominees for the prize have been chosen as Commonwealth Peace Prize Fellows, forming a cadre of experts who will mentor young people throughout the Commonwealth.
The Commonwealth Peace Prize will be awarded triennially to distinguished peacebuilders with strong track records of faith and values-based engagement in conflict resolution, promotion of social cohesion, and sustainable peace.
For more information about the Commonwealth Peace Prize and the Khalili Foundation’s interfaith initiatives, please contact us on director@khalili.foundation
