By Laraba MUREY
As the country prepares for the forthcoming general election 2023, the West Africa Network has called on youths to shun violence and commit to building peace initiatives in communities across the country
Considering how young people are used as perpetrators of violence, especially during elections, Patience Obaulo, head of Programs, WANEP Nigeria, said their momentum can be redirected positively, hence the need for peacebuilding and leadership training.
Obaulo while speaking at a three-day training for young persons on leadership, and peacebuilding advocacy skills reiterated how vital youths are in ensuring a peaceful election
She said, “in Nigeria, there is a common notion that young persons are unable to carry out effective peacebuilding activities in their local community but we want to debunk the notion as through this training we intend to have them acquire skills in leadership, acquire skills in building Peace Corps skills in advocating particularly are the two key resolutions, the UNSCR 1325 which cause for inclusion of women in peacebuilding and the UNSCR 2250 which calls for the inclusion of young persons or young men and young women in issues of peace and security.
“We envision that these young peacebuilders will go to their local communities and carry out peace initiatives. As part of this program on day three, you will be hearing from mentors, young persons that we are trained in the first national workshop for young persons, share their experiences on what they’ve been doing with their skills or the local communities.”
She argued that young persons can effectively help build peace if they are educated and exposed to the right skills.
Patricia Donli, executive director of the Gender Equality Peace and Development Center, said young people should be used as instruments of peace since they have the potential of solving Nigerians’ problem.
According to her through mentorship, the passion for peaceful coexistence and diversity management can be preached and integrated into the youth and spread across the country.
In his remarks, Paul Nyulaku, Country Director of International Alert Nigeria, challenged the youths to channel their energy and skills into creating policies that would help build peace and influence leaders to make conflict-sensitive policies.
