Nigerians Call for Youth Empowerment as Key to Sustainable Peace and Security

Abuja, Nigeria – Leadership experts and stakeholders have urged the government at all levels to prioritize youth empowerment as a vital strategy for fostering sustainable peace and security across the nation.

This call was made during the 14th annual Peace Achievers International Conference and Awards, held on Saturday, where experts highlighted the crucial role of engaging Nigeria’s youth productively to address the persistent issues of insecurity and sectional conflicts.

Youth Empowerment: A Path to Peace

Kingsley Amafibe, Project Coordinator of the Peace Ambassador Agency and conference organizer, emphasized the urgency of creating economic opportunities for Nigerian youths.

“We must empower our youth and provide them with avenues to contribute positively to society. Hard work, discipline, and self-responsibility are critical for building the future they desire,” Amafibe stated.

He further urged young Nigerians not to use the failures of successive governments as an excuse for unproductivity but to take proactive steps toward achieving their dreams.

Private Sector’s Role in Youth Empowerment

Felix Achibiri, who delivered a presentation on peace-building through sectoral partnership, reiterated that youth economic empowerment serves as a catalyst for sustainable peace. He stressed the importance of collaboration between government and private organizations:

“The government cannot solve the unemployment crisis alone. Private organizations must integrate youth empowerment into their corporate social responsibility initiatives.”

The African Perspective on Self-Responsibility

Michael Bartlett-Vanderpuye, President of M&C Group Global, called on African youths to challenge themselves and take control of their future.

“African youths must rise to the occasion, leveraging their potential to create change and achieve meaningful progress,” he said.

Leadership Solutions for Nigerian Challenges

Victor Enebeli, Director of Studies at the Justice Mary Odili Judicial Institute, noted that Nigeria’s leadership challenges are unique and require tailored solutions. He called for practical approaches that address local issues and empower communities at the grassroots level.

Celebrating Positive Impact

The conference also included an awards ceremony recognizing Nigerians and Africans who have positively influenced their communities through innovative initiatives and impactful contributions.

Conclusion

The consensus at the event was clear: youth empowerment is essential for achieving lasting peace and security in Nigeria. By fostering economic opportunities, encouraging self-responsibility, and engaging the private sector, stakeholders believe Nigeria can overcome its challenges and pave the way for a more stable and prosperous future.

READ ALSO: