Iroagalachi Seeks Dialogue, Inclusion After Peace Ambassador Honour

Recently, the city of Abuja witnessed the conferment of the prestigious Universal Peace Ambassador award upon Princess Glory Amaka Iroagalachi. A woman of many hats, she has consistently used her platform to bridge the gap between policy and the people, advocating for the marginalized through humanitarian efforts and positive political engagement.

In this exclusive interview, she shares her journey, her convictions about nation-building, and why she believes human development remains the ultimate catalyst for peace Folalumi Alaran reports.

First of all, congratulations on your recognition as a Peace Ambassador. How did you feel when you received the news?

Thank you so much. Honestly, I felt deeply humbled. When you commit yourself to service, you don’t always think about awards—you think about impact. Receiving this recognition was emotional for me. It reassured me that the sacrifices, the late nights, the advocacy, and the community engagements truly matter. At the same time, it comes with greater responsibility.

What inspired you to step into peacebuilding and humanitarian work?
My journey began by observing the realities around me. I saw how conflicts—political, social, and economic—affect ordinary people, especially women, girls, and youths. I’ve always believed leadership is about service.

For instance, in the FCT, I encountered many youths in motor parks—struggling, exposed to violence, and vulnerable to political manipulation. I engaged them in conversations and learned lessons no classroom could teach. Seeing their potential inspired me to help redirect their lives through education and empowerment.

Peacebuilding is complex. What principles guide your work?

I stand on four key principles: dialogue, empathy, inclusion, and accountability.

Dialogue: Conflicts persist when communication breaks down.
Empathy: Understanding people’s experiences is crucial.
Inclusion: Women, youths, and marginalized groups must be part of decision-making.
Accountability: Peace must reflect in policies and everyday life.
These principles were shaped largely by my grassroots interactions, including initiatives like the Wall-less Classroom in Jabi Motor Park.

You’re known for promoting positive political influence. What does that mean to you?
Positive political influence means using leadership to unite, not divide. Politics should focus on development, fairness, and opportunity—not hostility.

I have taken strong stands, including opposing child marriage involving a minor. Leadership must protect the vulnerable and inspire trust. It takes courage because true change often challenges entrenched systems.

What has been one of your toughest moments?
Hmmm…. People usually say the biggest challenge for an NGO is funding but for me operating at the intersection of politics and grassroot reform and advocacy, my toughest moments has been encountering resistance when pushing for reform or inclusion. Change makes people uncomfortable, especially when it challenges long-standing systems.

My NGO is African Women Initiative against Violence and Poverty (AWIAVIP), this means that our work is centered around reducing violence against women, girl-children and even the youths. A particular challenge is combating child marriage, domestic violence and cultural practices that hurt and subjugate the African woman. I have been actively speaking against child marriage.

There is nothing good about it for the girl-child. The other day, I spoke against a certain prominent politician from the north who married a 13-year-old girl. You know, people in positions of power are expected to bring about positive change and not perpetuate practices that hurt instead of help society. My work and my views, which I am passionate about and are both in the public space has caused both love and admiration and resentment and hate.

In fact, I receive many calls and text messages threatening my life and those of my children. Some of them are death threats. Do you know, someone called me the other day and told me the amount he had been paid to kill me but that if I doubled it, he would not do the job. Imagine! But they don’t scare me. I am not scared for myself. I have three children, a boy and two girls. My girls are 16 and 14 years old.

Imagine if someone married them at this age. I do what I do because I want the country and the continent to be safer for them to thrive. I have political rivals who swore themselves my enemy, there is nothing I can do about that. As for the threats, if I had my way, I would send my kids out of the country to keep them safe, then continue my advocacy.

Honestly, there have been times when progress felt slow especially when I received stiff opposition from prominent men and women for speaking against abuse and injustices and abuse of women and children; but I know that transformation is a process. I focus on the bigger picture and surround myself with partners who share the same vision. When you remember why you started, you don’t give up easily. I think I have gone too far, and seen too much to give up.

How do you stay motivated despite these challenges?
The impact keeps me going. Seeing lives transformed—youths empowered, women supported, justice served—makes it worthwhile.

For example, motor park associations have requested expansion of our initiatives after witnessing real change. I also take time to reflect and recharge because balance is essential in this work.

What role do women play in peacebuilding?
Women play an undeniable role. They are often natural mediators and stabilizers within families and communities. When included in peace processes, outcomes are more sustainable.

Empowering women is not just about equality—it’s about effectiveness. Development cannot thrive if half the population is sidelined.

What initiatives will you focus on as a Peace Ambassador?
Three major areas:

Empowering women and the girl-child Removing barriers to education, financial independence, and leadership.

Education. We collaborate with agencies like the FRSC to promote road safety awareness. Education improves lives and fosters peace.

Youth empowerment. Providing skills, mentorship, funding, and opportunities to keep young people productively engaged.

Additionally, I aim to promote structured community dialogue platforms and ensure sustainability in all interventions.

Do your programs also benefit men?
Absolutely. Through partnerships with microfinance banks, we run on-lending programs that support both men and women after skills training. Men are also key stakeholders in peacebuilding and are actively involved in our initiatives.

What advice do you have for young Nigerians?
Start where you are. You don’t need a title to make a difference. Be consistent, intentional, and uphold integrity—even when it’s difficult.

True influence comes from service, not status. If you positively impact even one life, it matters.

How would you like this milestone to be remembered?
As a reminder that peace is achievable when humanity comes first. This award is not just about me—it’s about my children, my supporters, and everyone who believes in unity and justice