Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has said the state’s Peace Model built on inclusiveness and justice is a beacon of hope for Nigeria and Africa at large.

Mr Sani said the model is a shining example of peace and unity that could be replicated nationwide.

Mr Sani, represented by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Sule Shu’aibu, said this on Sunday in Kaduna at an event to commemorate the 2025 International Day of Peace.

This year’s theme is “Act Now for a Peaceful World.”

The event was organised by Global Peace Foundation Nigeria in collaboration with Church & Society and Women/Girls Health Empowerment Network.

Sani said it was significant as Kaduna state showcased its homegrown peace framework, “The Kaduna Peace Model”, which was built on inclusiveness, justice, and shared responsibility.

According to him, the theme for this year’s celebration serves as a reminder and call to urgent action, assuring that peace is a practical necessity for development, justice, and human dignity.

He said: “The Kaduna Peace Model brings together traditional and religious leaders, women and youth groups, civil society organisations, security agencies, and development partners to build a new narrative of tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

“Every citizen has a role to play in building and sustaining peace. Therefore, I want to urge all to act now, by embracing dialogue, rejecting violence, and promoting respect for human dignity.”

The governor noted that Kaduna state, hitherto, encountered many challenges arising from diversity, competing interests, and conflicts, adding that the residents, however, opted for dialogue over division, hostility and confrontation.

He acknowledged the support of partners, including religious organisations, development agencies, civil society organisations and other citizens, in advancing the Kaduna Peace Model.

“Therefore, I want to use this medium to call on citizens to teach children the value of peace, use places of worship to spread messages of love and unity, and strengthen institutions to deliver justice fairly and equitably,” he pleaded.

Earlier, the Country Director of Global Peace Foundation Nigeria, Joseph Hayab, said the celebration of International Peace Day “is an opportunity to reflect on harmony, dialogue, and unity.”

Mr Hayab added that Mr Sani’s inclusive governance and passion for justice had transformed the state, creating an atmosphere of trust and reconciliation.

Mr Hayab presented the Peace Champion of Unity in Diversity Award to the governor, in recognising of his giant strides in building peace, dousing tensions, and fostering unity across Kaduna State.

The country director explained that the award was a testament to Mr Sani’s enduring legacy as a leader who chose peace over conflict, inclusivity over marginalisation, and justice over compromise.

Congratulating the governor for achieving such a feat, Mr Hayab reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to working with his administration to sustain the Kaduna peace model.

He said the award was a clarion call to other leaders across Nigeria that peace was achievable when leaders are driven by fairness, justice, and selfless love for their people.

He stated, “By working together, we believe Kaduna State will continue to strengthen unity in diversity, paving the way for true development, prosperity, and lasting peace.”

(NAN)