The immediate past President of the Society for Peace Studies and Practice (SPSP), Mr. Nathaniel Msen Awuapila, fspsp, has unveiled the SPSP Gold List Initiative, describing it as a historic recognition framework designed to honour individuals and institutions whose contributions have sustained the Society and expanded peacebuilding practice across Nigeria and Africa.

Speaking during the unveiling of the initiative shortly before handing over office, Awuapila said the Gold List was conceived not merely as an award scheme, but as "a living legacy" that documents the history of SPSP, celebrates service, and inspires future generations of peace scholars and practitioners.

"The Gold List is about memory, gratitude, and continuity," he said. "It preserves the story of those who stood with the Society, laboured quietly, gave selflessly, and helped to advance peacebuilding beyond our immediate sphere."

According to Awuapila, the Gold List features two principal categories: Peace Pillars and the Legacy Circle.

The Peace Pillars category honours foundational members and individuals whose efforts were central to the establishment, growth, and institutional stability of SPSP. The Legacy Circle, on the other hand, recognises "uncommon men and women" whose work with successive National Working Committees (NWC) helped to project SPSP's influence beyond Nigeria, strengthening its national, regional, and international standing.

"Some of those listed here naturally fall into both categories," Awuapila explained. "However, the emphasis of the Legacy Circle is to appreciate those who worked with the NWC to extend SPSPs reach, deepen partnerships, and elevate our rating as a credible peacebuilding institution."

He expressed hope that future leaders of the Society would continue to institutionalise recognition as a culture, ensuring that SPSP "never ceases to thrive."

At the top of the Gold List Roll of Honour is Prof. Suleiman Elias Bogoro, fspsp, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, recognised for recommending SPSPs partnership with the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), providing financial support of ₦5 million between 2023 and 2024, consistently championing collaborative initiatives, and initiating the concept of the SPSP Hall of Fame.

Also recognised is H.E. Amb. Fatima Saad Abubakar, fspsp, Chairperson of the Board of Fellows, for her pivotal leadership role in institutionalising the Body of Fellows alongside the late Gen. (Rtd) Jones Arogbofa, fspsp.

Awuapila noted that with sustained support to the Board of Fellows under Amb. Abubakars leadership, the Body of Eminent Experts (BEE) — conceived alongside the Board — is positioned to thrive in line with its mandate.

Between 2022 and 2025, SPSP recorded significant international milestones. Awuapila credited Mr. Ernest Gibson Kpordotsi, Board Member of the International Peace Bureau (IPB), with facilitating SPSPs membership of IPB and enabling its participation in global Peace Wave events in 2024 and 2025.

Similarly, Dr. Sylvester Eromosele, mspsp, was acknowledged for facilitating SPSPs attainment of Special Consultative Status with the United Nations ECOSOC.

On continental expansion, Prof. Issa Saibu, Pioneer Coordinator of SPSP Cameroon/Central Africa, was recognised for undertaking the legal registration of SPSP in Cameroon, while Magdalene U.I. Igbazua, mspsp, Abdul Fatoma, mspsp, and Dr. Teddy Foday Musa, mspsp, were celebrated as lead collaborators who worked with the President to establish SPSP Sierra Leone (SPSP-SL) in 2023.

Awuapila paid glowing tribute to Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, fspsp, and his deputies, DIG Frank Mba, fspsp, and DIG Ade Hamzat, fspsp, for what he described as "unprecedented institutional support."

Under the partnership, SPSP executed a Festschrift project in honour of the IGP, hosted executive capacity-building programmes for 79 Chief Superintendents of Police, secured approval for the training of over 190 senior officers, and facilitated the induction of more than 270 senior NPF officers into SPSP.

DIG Mba was credited with facilitating the signing and full implementation of the SPSP—NPF Memorandum of Understanding, while DIG Hamzat was commended for personally ensuring the safety and relocation of the SPSP President following the April 29, 2025 assassination attempt.

Further recognition went to Gen. J.O. Ochai and the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) for hosting the 2024 Conference and General Assembly, regarded as SPSPs best-funded conference within the review period. His deputies, Prof. Ajibuah Bolanle Joel, fspsp, and Prof. Sharkdam Wapmuk, mspsp, were praised for facilitating the collaboration, with Prof. Wapmuk also coordinating the newly established SPSP Kaduna State Branch.

Beyond institutional honours, Awuapila highlighted the introduction of the SPSP Pathfinder Award, a flagship initiative of the Awuapila-led administration, conceived to spotlight innovative, solution-driven interventions addressing Africa's complex peace, security, and governance challenges.

According to the President, the award was established in recognition of the fact that while governments and private sector actors often struggle with protracted conflicts and socio-economic disruptions, transformative initiatives capable of strengthening state capacity and public resilience are emerging across the continent.

"The Pathfinder Award was designed to identify and celebrate initiatives that are charting new pathways toward peace, security, and sustainable development," Awuapila said. "It is not just about recognition, but about strengthening promising interventions through visibility, credibility, and expert support."

He explained that the award seeks to promote innovation in governance and private sector leadership, encourage scalable and sustainable interventions, build partnerships between SPSP, governments, and private actors, and inspire evidence-based, people-centred solutions.

Eligible initiatives, he noted, must be innovative and solution-focused, demonstrate sustainability and scalability, and be implemented at least at the state level, with preference for national or international reach. Government agencies, private sector organisations, civil society institutions, and policy innovators are all eligible.

Awuapila confirmed that the Pathfinder Award, guided by a detailed and carefully developed concept note, has been formally presented to each of the awardees, marking it as a fully institutionalised recognition framework within SPSP.

He further disclosed the recipients of the SPSP Pathfinder Award, noting that the honours were conferred on initiatives that demonstrated innovation, scalability, and tangible impact on peace, governance, and public resilience.

The award was presented to Chief (Dr.) Omowunmi Abiodun Essiet, fspsp, on behalf of the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North Central), in recognition of community-driven policy interventions aimed at strengthening citizen–government relations.

Also honoured was Hon. Ephraim Aondowase Kunde, who received the award on behalf of the Benue State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, for initiatives addressing humanitarian response, disaster risk reduction, and social resilience in conflict-affected communities.

Similarly, CG Joshua Wole Osatimehin, PhD, fspsp, received the Pathfinder Award on behalf of the Nigerian Forest Security Service (NFSS), in recognition of innovative security and environmental protection efforts contributing to peacebuilding, community safety, and sustainable resource governance.

According to Awuapila, the selection of the awardees reflects SPSP’s commitment to identifying practical solutions that strengthen institutions, empower communities, and chart new pathways toward sustainable peace and development across Nigeria and Africa.

The University of Ibadan featured prominently, with Prof. Kayode Oyebode Adebowale, fspsp, Vice-Chancellor, and the Department of Peace, Security and Humanitarian Studies (DPSHS) recognised for sustained institutional support, provision of office space, hosting the 2025 Conference and GA, and making the single highest donation of ₦3 million by any partnering university toward the Festschrift project.

Special mention was made of Prof. Isaac Olawale Albert, fspsp, Dr. Chukwuemeka Eze, fspsp, Prof. Noah Yusuf, fspsp, Asso. Prof. Ruth Abiola Adimula, fspsp, Asso. Prof. Adeola Adams, fspsp, Prof. Felicia Olabisi Olasehinde-Williams, fspsp, ACC Grace Abosede Olaina-Ladokun, fspsp, Mr. Valentine V. Kwaghchimin, Dr. Olanrewaju Yusuf, fspsp, and Ichie Nwoke Chukwudi, fspsp, for their diverse roles in programme development, compliance, branding, publications, partnerships, and training.

Awuapila acknowledged committee chairs including Prof. Jude A. Momodu, fspsp, Prof. Mahfouz Adedimeji, fspsp, and Dr. Obi Ndifon Neji, fspsp, alongside special appointees such as Dr. Agada Elachi, SAN, Prof. Isaac Adebusuyi Adeniran, Dr. John Tor Tsuwa, Dr. Shadrach Teryila Ukuma, and Mr. Mathias Yake.

He also celebrated the Societys Training Faculty, which produced three major manuals under the Peace Practice Training Package, listing contributors including Prof. Isaac Olawale Albert, Prof. Ruth Ochanya Adio-Moses, Prof. Freedom Onuoha, Prof. Chris Kwaja, Prof. Tunde Akanni, Prof. Oluwayemisi Amupitan, Prof. Jude Momodu, Prof. Ajibuah Bolanle Joel, Prof. Adegboyega Karim, Prof. Sharkdam Wapmuk, Asso. Prof. Victor Adesiyan, Asso. Prof. Ruth Abiola Adimula, Asso. Prof. Adeola Adams, Ms. Ojewale Oluwatosin Raimot, Mrs. Ademola-Adelehin Ilemobola Olubukola, Dr. Yusuf Olanrewaju Lateef, Dr. Willie A. Eselebor, Dr. Stephen Faleti Ademola, Dr. Obi Ndifon Neji, Dr. Muhammad Kudu Abubakar, and ACC Grace Olaina-Ladokun.

Concluding, Awuapila said the Gold List immortalises the dedication and sacrifices of those who supported SPSP between 2022 and 2025. “The future of SPSP depends not only on strategic vision,” he said, “but on our ability to honour every contribution, heal internal wounds, and build a culture of gratitude.”

He also expressed heartfelt appreciation to service providers and vendors, including Mr. Emmanuel Essien of DataShare Technologies, Mr. Ganiyu of Ganel Ventures, Mr. Morakinyo, Dr. Femi, mechanics, printers, and plaque producers, noting that many of SPSP's milestones would not have been possible without them.

"To everyone named and unnamed, on behalf of the NWC, we say thank you," he concluded.