Sr. ONAFOWOPE

We bless the holy name of the Lord for the success of our Peacebuilding Initiative and Empowerment Programme, convened by Sr. Dr. MaryCeline Adesola Onafowope, OSF, in partnership with the Cardinal Onaiyekan Foundation for Peace (COFP) and REJI Educational Consult Ltd. The program, as part of her project assignment as an Intending Fellow of the Cardinal Onaiyekan Foundation for Peace (COFP), was born out of the conviction that sustainable peace begins within the individual; in our thoughts, words, actions, and daily choices, and that young people are not just beneficiaries of peace but critical actors and ambassadors of peace in their communities.

Bariga, like many urban communities, is rich in talent, energy, and youthful resources. However, it also faces social challenges that call for intentional peace education, responsible citizenship, and positive youth engagement. This initiative is, therefore, designed to equip the young population of Bariga with practical skills to understand conflict, manage differences constructively, and use modern tools, especially digital platforms, to promote peace rather than violence or division.

In her welcome address, the convener, Sr. MaryCeline Adesola Onfowope, especially thanked the Cardinal Onaiyekan Foundation for Peace (COFP) for allowing her to be part of the 2025/2026 Fellowship program and for giving her the platform to translate this into concrete societal action. Your foundation has been a blessing to Nigeria and the African continent as a whole. Bringing people of diverse faith, culture and background to become advocates of peace in a world laden with uncertainty, troubles and numerous vices.  The Foundation is a powerful symbol of unity, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to peaceful coexistence.

The event took place at St. Augustine College of Education, Akoka, Lagos State, on Wednesday, 4th February 2026.

In attendance were distinguished guests and stakeholders, which includes: Mr. Bolaji Ogunlende, the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Lagos State; Prof. Oyekunle Oyelami, an expert in Community Development and Social Work, University of Lagos (UNILAG); Rev. Fr. Vincent Kayode Olofinkua, PhD, an expert in Educational Administration and Supervision, and the Provost of St. Augustine College of Education, Akoka; and Mr. Bolaji Goriola, Chairman, Akoka Community Development Association.

Also present were students and representatives of: St. Finbarr’s College, Akoka; Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School, Yaba; CMS Grammar School, Bariga; St. Augustine College of Education, Akoka. Other participants included beneficiaries of the empowerment programme, representatives from Akoka Central Mosque, members of the Akoka Community Development Association, and the Florere Foundation, among others.

At the end of the program, every participant pledged to become an advocate of peace. Participants, at the conclusion, encouraged the organizers to make the initiative a continuous and sustainable event.