After a rigorous selection process, another set of phenomenal Fellows, 50 in all, were chosen from the many individuals who applied for the 2023/2024 COFP Fellowship program. The first module of the 6th annual and 3rd International Peace Fellowship, organized and anchored by the Cardinal Onaiyekan Foundation for Peace commenced with the arrival of Fellows on Sunday, 23rd July, 2023, at the Ajuji Greenwich hotel, Abuja, and spanned through the entire week.
The journey to university certification in Interreligious Dialogue, Conflict transformation and Mediation began on Monday morning with the Fellowship lectures anchored by Sheikh Nurudeen Muhammad. Following the lectures for the day was a grand opening dinner set up by the Foundation to welcome the participants who had come from different countries across Africa including Nigeria. A host of dignitaries including the Founder of COFP Foundation, His Eminence, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, Country Representative of the Catholic Relief Services, Nigeria, in the person of Paul Townsend, Representative of the Director General, Institute of Peace and Conflict Resolution, were present.
John Cardinal Onaiyekan in his speech, expressed so much joy as he spoke on how much the COFP Foundation, from inception till date has been able to achieve to a large extent, it’s objective of equipping middle level religious leaders at grassroots with the knowledge and skills for interreligious dialogue and mutual understanding for peace building and social cohesion. Other invited guests made brief and beautiful remarks too! A remarkable highlight of the opening dinner for everyone was the exceptional dance of the cultural display group. All seated guests were wowed by their show of strength and skill while they danced. The ceremony was generally conducted with great pomp and style.
With the delivery of the remaining lectures during the week, there was absolutely no doubt that all Fellows went back to their various countries and states more exposed, enlightened and equipped than they came and more ready to translate the new learning into actions for peace and development within their various communities in every way possible.
