By Elizabeth Osayande

What began as a simple idea to bring neighbours together over food has grown into a powerful symbol of unity in Orile–Iganmu, Lagos, as residents gathered for the second edition of the Cook for Peace Festival, a community-led initiative promoting peaceful coexistence and social harmony.

Children laughed and competed in number games, young adults bonded over board games and musical chairs, while women of the community engaged in listening sessions and group activities, creating an atmosphere of inclusion across age and gender lines.

Music, dancing and shared meals turned the Kekere-Ekun playground in Orile into a meeting point for dialogue and reconnection.

The event also delivered tangible social benefits as partner organisations provided free medical checks, eye screenings, dental cleaning services and sanitary pads for young women, reinforcing the event’s focus on dignity, wellbeing and community care.

Convener of the festival and lead volunteer, Hadji Kwame Ahmed, said the initiative was built on the belief that peace must be owned and sustained by the people themselves.

“We are all stakeholders in the Nigeria we crave for, and we all have roles to play collectively,” Ahmed said.

“People are beginning to understand that peace is everyone’s responsibility. When a community is peaceful, businesses thrive, children feel safe going to school and families can focus on their livelihoods.”

Ahmed explained that the annual event grew out of efforts to address recurring clashes among street boys in the area, particularly after violent incidents during the COVID-19 lockdown. He added that dialogue and shared experiences had helped restore trust among residents.

At the event, security agencies also lent their voice to the call for unity. The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Orile–Iganmu Police Division, CSP Taofeek Bello, commended the organiser for his courage and pledged continued police support for peace-building initiatives in the community.

“We are here to make sure this community enjoys lasting peace, but we need the support of everybody,” Bello said. “We want the ‘good boys’ to turn a new leaf so that we can say goodbye to street fights. Our doors are open, and we are already seeing the impact of this programme.”

He added that the police would support any initiative that promotes peace among residents and suggested that the festival be held regularly to sustain the gains recorded so far.

Also speaking at the event, the Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, described the festival as a model of grassroots governance and community engagement.

“This is what governance should look like,” Ogunlende said. “We must engage with the community, the youth and our elders. Without peace, there is no safety, no progress and no security. This programme is a clear call for peace and harmony.”

The commissioner urged young people to stay away from drug abuse, advising them to pay attention to their health and consider the impact of their actions on their families and loved ones.

Other speakers at the event include Oludare Akinlaja, Managing Partner at OAR&D Company; The Sheriff Adekoya of Ogilvy Africa; and Mrs S.O Ajao, a representative of the Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, who all encouraged attendees to become a better version of themselves by taking advantage of opportunities available to them.

The event also attracted several dignitaries, including the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth and Mobilisation, Alabi Opeyemi; AoC projects director, Oluwaseun Olayiwola; the Lagos Waste Management Authority advocacy team; and community leaders from the Coker–Aguda Local Council Development Area, including Mrs Bola Grace Amolegbe-Fattah.