Local Heroes: A Shared Goal

This is the story of Michael, a local hero who runs Peace Initiative Network, a peacebuilding organisation supporting young people in the city of Kano, Northern Nigeria.

This video was produced by Zoomin.TV as part of their Local Heroes series.

Fifteen years ago, Michael Femi Sodipo watched from a neighbour’s window as his house and car burned to ashes.

As a Christian living in a Muslim area, he was affected by of the decades-long mass violence between Muslims and Christians that has claimed the lives and childhoods of thousands across Nigeria. Experiencing the devastation caused by this deadly conflict first-hand, Michael decided he had to make a change.

“I don’t see myself as a victim of violence, I see myself as an agent of change.”

Watching the smoke billowing from his house, Michael decided to dedicate his life to building peace in his country.

He realised he could use young Nigerians’ love of football as a vehicle for driving positive change; bringing together different religious and ethnic groups, helping them find non-violent livelihoods and ultimately creating a generation that wants to spread peace in their communities. 

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‘A Shared Goal’ was commissioned by Peace Direct and produced by Zoomin.TV as part of their Local Heroes series, which profiles remarkable individuals from across the world working at the grassroots to make the world a better place.