Abuja: The United Nations has called on Nigerian youths to actively promote peace and counteract factors that could escalate tensions as the country approaches its 2027 general elections.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Ms Grace Kpohazounde, Peace and Development Adviser at the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, conveyed this message during the inauguration of a two-day training program in Abuja. The event targeted National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, SIWES participants, interns, and volunteers, aiming to equip young Nigerians with skills to manage and transform conflicts for sustainable peace and national development.
Kpohazounde highlighted the potential for heightened tensions during the election period, noting that youths are particularly susceptible to manipulation into activities that could undermine peace. She urged participants to take responsibility for addressing signs of conflict, such as exclusion, injustice, and hate speech, whether encountered physically or online.
The UN adviser emphasized the importance of the knowledge and skills acquired during the training, encouraging youths to contribute to peacebuilding efforts within their communities. She stressed that the attitudes adopted by young people towards situations capable of generating conflict could determine whether tensions escalate or are resolved peacefully. Kpohazounde also urged young Nigerians to view peacebuilding as a long-term commitment rather than an avenue for quick financial gains.
The UN, she noted, is collaborating with various Nigerian institutions, including the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) and ministries at national and state levels, to support peacebuilding initiatives across the country.
Dr Joseph Ochogwu, Director-General of IPCR, stated that the training was designed to empower young Nigerians with the knowledge, skills, and values required to identify, prevent, manage, and transform conflicts. He encouraged youths to see themselves as partners, leaders, and drivers of peacebuilding efforts, emphasizing that Nigeria’s ethnic, religious, linguistic, and cultural diversity is a strength that must be managed effectively.
Ochogwu urged participants to apply the lessons learned from the training in their communities and warned against the spread of rumors, misinformation, and hate speech. He highlighted the importance of responsible communication in preventing tensions from escalating and encouraged youths to use digital platforms to promote tolerance and strengthen national unity.
Dr David Rinnert, Senior Conflict Adviser at the British High Commission, advised young peacebuilders to adopt principles of leadership, including understanding issues before acting, creating and communicating a clear vision, and delivering consistently. He stressed the need for collaboration to address complex peace and conflict challenges.
Amb. Sola Enikanolaiye, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, represented by Amb. Muyiwa Aiyedun, emphasized that peacebuilding is critical to national unity and economic development. He urged young participants to contribute towards preventing violence, strengthening social cohesion, and promoting national development.