Nigeria and the Community of Sant’Egidio have renewed efforts to strengthen cooperation in peacebuilding, mediation, interfaith dialogue, humanitarian assistance, youth development and support for vulnerable communities.
The renewed engagement followed a visit by a delegation of the Community of Sant’Egidio and officials of the Italian Embassy to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Ahmed, in Abuja.
The delegation, led by Professor Jan De Volder and Professor Stefano Orlando, built on earlier engagements between the Community and the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu.
During the meeting, De Volder briefed the Permanent Secretary on Sant’Egidio’s activities in Nigeria, highlighting its presence in several states and its grassroots initiatives in peacebuilding, education, poverty reduction and community dialogue.
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He also conveyed an invitation to the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs to participate in the 40th International Meeting for Peace scheduled to hold in Assisi, Italy, in October 2026.
The delegation further proposed the development of a formal framework for cooperation between Nigeria and the Community of Sant’Egidio to support sustained engagement in areas of mutual interest.
Responding, Ambassador Ahmed commended Sant’Egidio’s longstanding commitment to peace, reconciliation and humanitarian service.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s openness to partnerships with faith-based and civil society organisations that promote peaceful coexistence, social inclusion and conflict prevention.
The Permanent Secretary identified youth leadership and vocational training, interfaith dialogue, education, healthcare, poverty alleviation and support for displaced and vulnerable persons as potential areas of collaboration.
He also highlighted community-based peace initiatives as critical to strengthening social cohesion and sustainable development.
The meeting underscored the shared commitment of Nigeria and the Community of Sant’Egidio to advancing peacebuilding, humanitarian action and inclusive development through sustained partnership and dialogue.
