Students from the American University of Nigeria (AUN) are spearheading a progressive concept that could become a game changer. Under the Ubuntu for Peace initiative, the students are bringing together young learners from primary and secondary schools across Yola, and representatives of the Bole community, AUNs host community, to promote peace, environmental sustainability, and community interconnectedness. At an event held at AUN's School of Law Auditorium on Thursday, March 20, 2025, the students emphasized actionable steps to address climate change and foster unity among future generations.
The Ubuntu for Peace initiative is part of The Common Ground Initiative, a global competition organized by the Manara Center for Peace and Dialogue in Abu Dhabi and managed by EdVenture Partners in the US. The initiative focuses on addressing critical issues affecting peaceful coexistence in Adamawa State and beyond, with a focus on three interconnected challenges: farmers-herders’ clashes, water scarcity, and climate change.
Rooted in the Ubuntu philosophy – “I am because we are”, the Ubuntu4Peace team champions collective action and shared humanity as a pathway to sustainable peace and development. The initiative emphasizes collaboration, harmony, resilience, social cohesion, environmental restoration, and equitable resource management as a common ground for peaceful coexistence.
Isaac Utsewa Simon, a final year AUN student majoring in Information Systems and the team lead, Ubuntu for Peace, highlighted the initiative's mission. "Peace is foundational to our collective well-being. We plan to provide peace-building approaches because we believe in their power." He further emphasized, “Our generation has a responsibility to shape a peaceful and sustainable future. Through Ubuntu4Peace, we are not just addressing conflicts but also tackling the environmental and resource challenges that fuel them. The Common Ground Initiative is a call for unity, action, and resilience, proving that when schools and communities work together, peace is possible.”
Speaking at the event, Mr. Raymond Obindu drew attention to the link between climate change and community challenges, urging attendees to take action. "Small steps will help; we must learn how to conserve water and energy. Turn off utilities when you're not using them," he said.
Dr. Peter Genger, Faculty Advisor, Ubuntu for Peace, emphasized the importance of collective responsibilities, stating, "Nature is a gift, and we must live in harmony with it. The Ubuntu for Peace initiative is committed to addressing water scarcity, restoring ecosystems, and promoting peaceful coexistence." He further invited stakeholders to collaborate with the initiative, “by working together, we can build a harmonious and resilient future where both people and nature thrive as a common ground for coexistence."
Mr. Ayman Yusuf Usman, founder of the Aawa Tree Foundation, also shared this vision, calling on the students to become ambassadors of environmental care. "The Earth is entrusted to us, and we must protect it for future generations," he said.
Godiya Mark, a student of Government Technical College, Yola, shared her reflections: "I learned that taking care of our environment is crucial; it affects not just us but also plants and animals. Everything around us matters." The Ubuntu for Peace initiative represents a vital step toward building a more harmonious and sustainable world by instilling values of peace, environmental responsibility, and community support in young students. The organizers plan to expand their outreach through upcoming workshops and tree-planting campaigns, encouraging community members to join the transformative journey.
Reported by Pwagreno Blessing Moris