The Peace Education and Practice Network (PEPNET) successfully hosted the December edition of its flagship initiative, Peace Lovers Connect (PLC), at the ANA Conference Room, Mamman Vatsa Writers’ Village in Mpape, Abuja. Themed “Peace in Action: Understanding and Overcoming Inequalities,” the event attracted over 23 participants, including volunteers and members of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA).
This month’s gathering stood out for its focus on addressing societal inequalities through peacebuilding, with an emphasis on gender-based violence and other pressing challenges. The event featured film screenings, reflective discussions, and collaborative brainstorming sessions aimed at equipping attendees with actionable insights for driving positive change in their communities.
The event began with the Nigerian National Anthem, followed by an inspiring opening address from PEPNET’s Executive Director, Moses Abolade. In his remarks, Abolade highlighted PEPNET’s achievements since its inception in 2018, including impactful initiatives such as the Peace Education Training Manual (PETMANUAL) and the Peace Zone on TV.
“PLC is more than a meeting; it’s a movement. It’s a space where peace enthusiasts come together to share ideas, reflect, and collaborate on ways to build a more equitable and peaceful society,” Abolade said.
The President of ANA, Dr. Usman Oladipo, was represented by Mr. Hussein Zaguru, who delivered a goodwill message. He lauded PEPNET’s commitment to peacebuilding and pledged ANA’s continued support for PLC, describing the initiative as a powerful tool for fostering education and peace advocacy in Nigeria and beyond.
One of the highlights of the event was the screening of the critically acclaimed film, A Girl from Mogadishu. The film delves into the harrowing realities of gender-based violence and female genital mutilation (FGM). Attendees were encouraged to reflect on the film’s key themes during a mid-screening pause, fostering an engaging and participatory atmosphere.
After the screening, participants shared their insights and proposed actionable steps to amplify advocacy against gender-based violence. The discussions emphasized the need for grassroots initiatives, community education, and policy advocacy to address these issues effectively.
The event’s atmosphere was further enriched by the camaraderie and networking opportunities provided to participants. Refreshments, including popcorn and zobo, created a relaxed setting for attendees to form meaningful connections. Group photographs captured the essence of the gathering, and participants shared heartfelt testimonies about the impact of the discussions on their perspectives and plans for community action.
One attendee remarked, “This platform has inspired me to take immediate action in my community. The stories and ideas shared here today have motivated me to stand against gender-based violence in tangible ways.”
The December edition of PLC was made possible by the generosity of donors and supporters.
The December edition of PLC closed with a one-minute interfaith silent prayer and a collective blessing: “May peace be upon the earth and us all.” Participants left inspired and committed to advancing peacebuilding efforts in their communities.
The discussions underscored the importance of scaling PLC’s impact to underserved communities, incorporating local languages and grassroots strategies to ensure inclusivity.
As PLC continues its monthly gatherings, PEPNET remains steadfast in its mission to foster peace education, empower individuals, and nurture a growing network of peace advocates.
For more information about Peace Lovers Connect or to support PEPNET’s initiatives, visit www.thepepnet.org or email ppepnet@gmail.com.
Together, let’s make peace more than a goal; it’s a way of life.
