Abuja: The Ministry of Youth Development and stakeholders have finalized plans to host the Youth Creative Conference (YCC) 2025 in Abuja from Oct. 22 to 23, as announced by Minister of Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande. The conference theme, ‘Silencing the Guns’, aligns with Africa’s peacebuilding agenda and reflects the aspirations of the African Union and its Agenda for Renewal.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Olawande emphasized that the conference would provide a platform for young Africans, policymakers, and partners to engage in dialogue, promote peace, and inspire development through creativity and sustainable innovation. He highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to peace and security, noting the country’s significant contributions to peacekeeping operations across Africa and beyond.
Olawande also stated that Nigeria aims to promote the Nordic approach, which focuses on creativity, innovation, education, and governance, to address the root causes of conflict and promote sustainable peace. He underscored that ‘Silencing the Guns’ encompasses ensuring justice, creating opportunity, and driving innovation to empower future generations across Africa.
With young people comprising nearly 70 percent of Nigeria’s population, Olawande recognized their central role in shaping Africa’s peaceful future. The conference aims to empower youth to take ownership of their future, contribute to growth, and play meaningful roles in building inclusive and prosperous societies across the continent. The expected outcomes align with Agenda 2063’s aspirations, focusing on inclusive growth, good governance, and people-driven development.
Olawande noted that the event supports Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives, particularly through youth empowerment and cross-border collaboration. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to enabling young Africans to lead peacebuilding efforts using creativity, art, technology, and innovation as tools for positive change and regional transformation.
Emphasizing youth entrepreneurship as a pathway to economic development, job creation, and a proactive measure against violence and insecurity, Olawande assured that Nigeria would continue working with the African Union and other partners to strengthen cooperation on governance reform, inclusive education, climate security, and digital transformation.
According to Olawande, more than 1,000 delegates are expected in Abuja, and he expressed confidence that the event would mark a major milestone in Africa’s collective journey to silence the guns.
Mr. Blaize-Kizito Ndukwe, Convener of Youth Creativity for Change (YCC) Initiative, praised the initiative’s continental impact, leveraging youth creativity as a tool for peace. Mr. Ernest Dolo, Coordinator of the AU’s Silencing the Guns Unit, reaffirmed the African Union’s support for youth-led peacebuilding efforts, emphasizing the importance of engaging youth for lasting peace and inclusive development in Africa.