By Demola Akinyemi, Ilorin

The Foundation for Peace Professionals has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing peacebuilding, strengthening democratic values, promoting social cohesion and supporting sustainable development across Africa as it celebrates its 10th anniversary.

Speaking ahead of the milestone celebration, PeacePro Executive Director, Abdulrazaq Hamzat, described the organisation’s decade-long journey as proof that impact is driven not by the size of an organisation’s funding but by the strength of its vision, credibility and commitment to public service.

Founded in January 2016, PeacePro is marking ten years of uninterrupted operations, a feat it says is particularly significant as one of the few Nigerian civil society organisations that has functioned entirely without foreign funding or external institutional backing since inception.

“As we enter our second decade, we remain committed to advancing peacebuilding, strengthening democratic values, promoting social cohesion and supporting sustainable development across Africa,” Hamzat said.

According to him, the organisation’s greatest achievement is not limited to the projects it has executed or reports it has published, but its ability to demonstrate that an independent African institution can sustain itself, retain its voice and make measurable contributions to society without relying on foreign donors.

He noted that the anniversary represents more than a celebration of longevity, describing it as a testament to the capacity of indigenous organisations to build resilient institutions, influence public discourse and contribute meaningfully to national and continental development through local ownership and initiative.

Over the past decade, PeacePro has undertaken various interventions aimed at preventing violence, promoting dialogue and strengthening peaceful coexistence across Nigeria.

Hamzat recalled that in 2017, the organisation played a significant role in efforts that helped contain a communal crisis in Osun State. It also intervened during a period of heightened tension in Northern Nigeria following the circulation of a hate song that threatened to inflame ethnic divisions.

The organisation has also facilitated dialogue among conflicting parties, supported out-of-court settlements and conducted fact-finding missions in conflict-prone areas, including Southern Kaduna during periods of intense farmer-herder clashes.

Beyond conflict intervention, PeacePro has emerged as a notable voice in peace and security research through flagship initiatives such as the Nigeria Peace Index, State of Peace Report and Africa Peace Insight.

Through these platforms, the organisation has generated data, analysis and policy recommendations on peace and security trends in Nigeria and across Africa.

PeacePro has also championed several advocacy campaigns, including its call for the demilitarisation of Africa and accountability for countries and institutions that benefited from slavery.

According to Hamzat, the organisation has consistently promoted governance-driven and people-centred approaches to peace and security through research, public engagement and policy advocacy, while encouraging reduced dependence on military solutions and foreign security arrangements.

As it begins its second decade, PeacePro said it remains focused on expanding its contributions to peacebuilding, conflict prevention, democratic governance and sustainable development across the continent.