23 May, 2025

The Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting inclusive, citizen-driven approaches to governance and peacebuilding across Nigeria and West Africa.

This pledge was reiterated by the Foundation’s Executive Director, Ms Ann Iyonu, during a  roundtable dialogue hosted at the GJF office in Abuja. 
The event convened thought leaders, civil society actors, and peacebuilding experts to deliberate on regional instability and the growing intersections between climate security, social cohesion, and community-based peacebuilding.

Ms Iyonu highlighted the Foundation’s dedication to creating safe spaces for dialogue and collaboration, fostering cooperation between local and international stakeholders, and advancing impactful interventions that promote sustainable peace and development.

She said: “As the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation marks its 10th anniversary, we remain steadfast in our commitment to inclusive, citizen-focused governance and peacebuilding. 
 

“Africa’s progress depends on our ability to foster meaningful dialogue, strengthen collaboration, and implement locally grounded solutions that reflect the realities of our communities.

“As a Foundation we continue to create safe spaces for dialogue, encourage cooperations  between local and international stakeholders, and drive impactful interventions that contribute to lasting peace and development across the continent.” 

Participants at the dialogue emphasised that effective grassroots interventions when supported and scaled, can address the root causes of conflict and enhance long-term stability. 

The conversation also underscored the critical need to integrate local perspectives into national and regional peace strategies, especially in contexts where institutional trust is weak or evolving.

Notable participants at the event included Emma Sky, a renowed expert on peace and security and Director of Yale’s International Leadership Centre, Fr. Atta Barkindo, Executive Director of the Kukah Centre and Head of Secretariat of the National Peace Committee, Yuval Ben-David and Tsema Ede. 

Other participants represented organisations such as the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), the Nigerian Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, Global Rights and other leading voices across the civil society space. 

The roundtable was jointly convened by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation and the  Yale International Leadership Centre as part of GJF’s ongoing efforts to deepen democratic governance and build resilient, peaceful societies through inclusive and locally owned solutions.