Ambassador Lekan Jimoh George: Passion for Peace Initiative (PPI): Shaping a Generation of Ethical Leaders and Peacebuilders in Nigeria
Passion for Peace Initiative (PPI): Shaping a Generation of Ethical Leaders and Peacebuilders in Nigeria
In a world increasingly marked by division, unrest, and ethical decay, the Passion for Peace Initiative (PPI) stands as a beacon of hope and transformation in Nigeria. As a non-governmental organization, PPI is redefining what it means to build peace, not merely by reacting to conflict but by nurturing the roots of peace through ethical education, youth mentorship, and community-driven advocacy.
Our Vision: Peace through Ethical Education
Founded on the unwavering belief that peace is not just the absence of violence but the presence of justice, accountability, and moral discipline, PPI’s core mission is clear: to foster peace, unity, and academic excellence by empowering Nigeria’s youth through character education and ethical leadership development.
PPI recognizes that many societal conflicts whether political, cultural, or institutional stem from a breakdown in values and a failure to engage younger generations with truth and integrity. This is why our programs go beyond mere advocacy: they seek to transform minds, influence systems, and build capacity for lasting change.
Education as a Tool for Peacebuilding
At the heart of PPI’s work is its national movement against examination malpractice; a silent but corrosive force undermining the integrity of Nigeria’s educational system. Through sensitization campaigns, school outreach, and value-based workshops, PPI challenges the normalization of academic dishonesty by instilling in students the values of honesty, hard work, discipline, and self-worth.
This grassroots strategy is not about punishment but about enlightenment. We equip youth with the tools to resist shortcuts and instead embrace personal growth, even in difficult environments. Our mentorship programme is a flagship component of this mission. It pairs youth with mentors who guide them not only academically but emotionally and ethically, ensuring that the next generation is built on the foundation of integrity, resilience, and peace. We presently run this Mentorship Programme in Kwara and Lagos State.
Strategic Campaigns: Peace in Action
Since its inception, PPI has led several high-impact campaigns, which includes:
The Kwara State Peace Summit (2015) — an Inter-Religious Peace Summit that united Christian and Muslim leaders under a shared vision of peaceful coexistence. This foundational event was more than a gathering; it was a bold step toward healing divisions and redefining the role of religion in society. Recognizing that religion is often misused to justify conflict, the summit focused on reorienting public perception, presenting faith as a unifying force, not a divisive one.
At the heart of the summit was a strong call to action that urged all religious leaders to become ambassadors of peace within their congregations and communities. By preaching tolerance, empathy, and unity, they were encouraged to dismantle ideologies that breed hatred and instead promote the values shared across religious boundaries: love, justice, compassion, and mutual respect.
This historic summit laid the groundwork for PPI’s broader peacebuilding mission. It demonstrated the organization’s commitment to tackling the root causes of conflict, including religious misunderstanding through dialogue, education, and collaborative leadership. By engaging religious stakeholders in this way, PPI not only diffused tensions but also inspired a movement where faith leaders lead the charge for national peace and inter-communal harmony.
Kick-Out Corruption Campaign (2016) — This program confronted one of the root causes of Nigeria’s instability. By educating communities, especially youth, on the dangers of corruption, PPI championed integrity and civic consciousness as non-negotiable virtues in leadership and governance.
No to Election Violence (2019) — During one of Nigeria’s most tense electoral periods, this campaign called for nonviolence, responsible voting, and political maturity. Despite threats and pushback, it stood as a moral compass during a time of national uncertainty.
One Voice Kwara (2021) — Amplifying youth voices, this initiative aimed to unify diverse communities under a shared vision of progress, peace, and inclusivity. It reminded all Nigerians that strength lies in collective, peaceful action.
These campaigns are not isolated events—they are interwoven milestones in our long-term mission to create a more ethical, just, and united Nigeria.
Community-Rooted Peacebuilding
What sets PPI apart is its collaborative model. Through quarterly stakeholders’ meetings, the organization bridges the gap between students, parents, teachers, and community leaders. These gatherings are platforms for strategic dialogue addressing local challenges, combating harmful norms, and aligning collective efforts for youth development.
By building trust and unity within families and schools, PPI ensures that peacebuilding is embedded in daily life. Education reforms, parenting strategies, school policies, and community norms are all shaped through this participatory approach.
The Global Relevance of PPI’s Work
While PPI’s operations are rooted in Nigeria, the organization’s mission holds global significance. In every society, the seeds of lasting peace are sown through education, ethical leadership, and the empowerment of youth. In a world increasingly in need of moral clarity and cross-generational dialogue, PPI’s work offers a replicable model of grassroots peacebuilding, showing how sustainable change must begin from within.
From combatting examination malpractice to confronting corruption and political violence, PPI is not afraid to challenge uncomfortable truths. And in doing so, it is grooming a generation that will not only demand change but embody it.
Conclusion: Peace is Possible, If We Build It Together
The Passion for Peace Initiative (PPI) is more than a non-profit, it is a movement. A movement led by conviction, grounded in community, and sustained by the belief that every child mentored, every voice empowered, and every value taught is a brick laid in the foundation of a peaceful nation.
In a time when Nigeria—and the world—needs principled leaders and united communities more than ever, PPI invites individuals, organizations, and partners across the globe to join in its mission. Because peace is not accidental. It is built intentionally, patiently, and with purpose.
To support our cause and be part of this transformative journey, visit https://ppi-africa.com to learn more or donate. Together, we can build a more peaceful and ethically grounded future.
