COFP@15 – Fifteen Years of Inspiring Change, One Community at a Time

Fifteen years ago, through the visionary leadership of His Eminence, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, CON, the Emeritus Archbishop of Abuja, the Cardinal Onaiyekan Foundation for Peace (COFP) was born. Today, it has grown like the proverbial mustard seed into a formidable force for peace, justice, and interfaith harmony in Nigeria, Africa, and beyond. This moment offers a profound opportunity to reflect on our journey, celebrate our achievements, acknowledge the challenges we have faced, and renew our vision for a more peaceful and inclusive world.

Since its inception in 2010, COFP has stood at the forefront of transforming communities. We have trained and empowered hundreds of actors and leaders, women, and youth to become credible agents of peace and transformation. Through our Fellowship programs, community development initiatives, climate change interventions, and interfaith dialogues, we have contributed to enhancing social change, healing divisions, nurturing understanding, strengthening peace structures for resilient communities and fostering development at the grassroots.

Our journey has not been without its trials. The complexity of Nigeria’s socio-political environment, limited resources, security threats, and at times, resistance to interfaith engagement, and the demise of one of us – Rex-Cyprian Aniah, have all tested our resolve. Yet, these challenges have only strengthened our commitment to innovative and inclusive peacebuilding and development. We continue to adapt, grow, and persevere with courage and faith.

As we look to the future, COFP remains steadfast in its mission to be a catalyst for peace and positive change. Our vision is to expand our reach, deepen our impact, and foster a new generation of ethical, visionary, and inter-generational literate leaders and actors who will champion justice, reconciliation, and sustainable development. As we commemorate this 15th anniversary of our existence, we express our deepest gratitude to all our supporters, partners, and friends who have worked and walked this journey with us. Together, we recommit ourselves to building a more peaceful, just, and harmonious society.

Here’s to 15 years of impact and to many more years of inspiring change, one community at a time.