PEPNET and Building Blocks for Peace Foundation Sign Strategic Partnership MoU to Advance Peacebuilding and Sustainable Development

Abuja, Nigeria | 30 July 2026

The Peace Education and Practice Network (PEPNET) has officially entered into a strategic partnership with the Building Blocks for Peace Foundation (BBforPeace) following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 30 July 2026 in Abuja.

The partnership marks a significant milestone in PEPNET’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with like-minded organisations to advance peacebuilding, youth leadership, civic engagement, institutional strengthening, and sustainable development across Nigeria.

The signing ceremony brought together representatives of both organisations in an atmosphere of mutual respect, learning, and shared purpose. Before the formal signing, both teams held an engaging interactive session that provided an opportunity to ask questions, clarify key provisions of the Memorandum of Understanding, and exchange ideas on areas of mutual interest. The session also featured presentations on the organisational profiles, strategic priorities, flagship programmes, and comparative strengths of both organisations, laying a solid foundation for an effective and impactful partnership.

Representing the Executive Director of Building Blocks for Peace Foundation, Mr Rafiu Adeniran Lawal, Mrs Anthonia Folashade Lawal, Communications Manager, led the Foundation’s delegation, while Amb. Moses ABOLADE, Founder and Executive Director of PEPNET, signed the Memorandum of Understanding on behalf of the organisation.

The Memorandum of Understanding was formally read by Ms Boluwatife Habeebah, Partnership Officer at Building Blocks for Peace Foundation, who highlighted the objectives, scope, and guiding principles of the partnership, followed by further discussions and clarifications from both organisations before the agreement was formally executed.

Also present from Building Blocks for Peace Foundation were Eseimokumo Albert Tony, Programmes Assistant, and Mercy Oyip, Administrative and Welfare Officer.

Representing PEPNET were Jonathan Aliyu SABA, Programme Manager, Juliet Shehu Moses, Programme Assistant, and Joy Obadiah, Administrative Secretary.

A highlight of the event was PEPNET’s presentation of a specially framed appreciation plaque to Mr Rafiu Adeniran Lawal, Executive Director of the Building Blocks for Peace Foundation, in recognition of his exceptional support, mentorship, and encouragement for the organisation’s growth and institutional development. The recognition particularly celebrated his facilitation of the January 2026 edition of Peace Lovers Connect, where he delivered an impactful session on Fundraising for Peacebuilding Programmes, as well as the invaluable guidance and strategic support he has continued to provide to PEPNET before and since then.

Although Mr Lawal was unavoidably absent during the signing ceremony, the appreciation frame was personally presented to him afterwards by the PEPNET team as an expression of sincere gratitude for his continued partnership and unwavering belief in the organisation’s vision.

Speaking after the signing, Amb. Moses ABOLADE described the partnership as an important step towards strengthening institutional collaboration and expanding opportunities for collective impact.

“Strategic partnerships remain essential to achieving sustainable peace and development. This Memorandum of Understanding reflects our shared commitment to building stronger institutions, empowering communities, and creating lasting impact through collaboration. We are excited about the opportunities this partnership presents and look forward to implementing meaningful initiatives together.”

The Memorandum of Understanding provides a framework for collaboration in areas including peacebuilding, civic engagement, youth leadership, organisational capacity strengthening, research, policy dialogue, advocacy, training, knowledge exchange, and the joint design and implementation of community-based development initiatives.

The partnership also reinforces PEPNET’s strategic objective of building a network of credible institutions committed to advancing peace, democratic participation, and sustainable development through innovation, collaboration, and evidence-based practice.

As PEPNET continues to expand its partnerships across Nigeria and beyond, the organisation remains committed to fostering collaborative solutions that strengthen institutions, empower citizens, and help build peaceful, inclusive, and resilient communities.

About PEPNET

The Peace Education and Practice Network (PEPNET) is a Nigerian peacebuilding and development organisation committed to advancing peace education, conflict transformation, youth leadership, civic participation, institutional strengthening, and sustainable development through research, advocacy, capacity building, strategic partnerships, and community-based interventions.