The peace prize awarded annually by the German state of Hessen is a highly regarded acknowledgment of achievements in the cause of peace by individuals around the world. The 2013 award goes to two Nigerian religious leaders, Imam Muhammad Ashafa and Pastor James Wuye (both pictured above).
Ashafa and Wuye, who are frequent guests on radio and TV talkshow, are the founders of “Interfaith Mediation Center” in the northern city of Kaduna. Interfaith Mediation Center was set up to break down prejudice and strengthen trust between the two religious communities.
The Hessian Peace Prize and its foundation was established in 1993 by the former governor of Hessen, Albert Osswald, and is endowed with 25,000 euros ($34,000). This is the first time the prize is shared by two recipients and the second time it’s going to Africa.