Cardinal Onaiyekan Foundation for Peace (COFP) is a non-governmental organization with the mandate to provide a platform for building and strengthening the processes of peace and social change in Nigeria and Africa at large.
Established in 2010 by John Cardinal Onaiyekan, one of Nigeria’s most respected faith leaders and a passionate advocate for religious tolerance and inclusiveness, the Foundation recognizes that most conflicts in Africa (despite their ethno-religious colorations) are symptoms of deeper structural problems arising from all manners of exclusion- religious, ethnic, political, economic, gendered- that can only be adequately resolved through governance structures that are both ethical and just.
COFP therefore strives to address these challenges by, among other things, promoting ethical leadership, offering a space for faith leaders, citizens and political leaders at all levels to engage in discussions for peace and development. The Foundation also assist in providing conflict parties with critical skills for peacebuilding, conflict management and transformation within their communities. Furthermore, the Foundation engages in climate change actions for a robust, friendly and resilient environment that enhances safer communities.
As a Foundation for inclusive dialogue, and driven by the principle of common good in line with the Social Teachings of the Catholic Church, the guiding point of reference for COFP is the Nostra Aetate Declaration of the Second Vatican Council on Interreligious Dialogue and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). COFP is also guided by decades of leadership in addressing social injustice, interreligious dialogue and collaboration for peace and resilience of all Nigerians.
This is why the Foundation is keen to engage with everyone, particularly marginalized groups- women, youths, children and others on the margins of society – recognizing that peace is a condition for transformative development which all must be involved.