There has been an urgent appeal for Nigerian political figures to connect more with the nation’s young population to tackle the growing problem of violent extremism. Several speakers highlighted this message during an event celebrating the 2024 International Day of Peace hosted by the United States Embassy in Abuja. The event centred around the theme, “Cultivating a Culture of Peace,” which underscored the vital importance of involving young people in promoting peace and reducing violence. The main speaker, Rev. John Hayab from the Global Peace Foundation in Nigeria, delivered a presentation entitled “Cultivating a Culture of Peace: The Role of Youth in Promoting Leadership and Peace in Nigeria.”
He highlighted how crucial it is to foster a harmonious atmosphere to achieve lasting development in the nation. Hayab underlined the need for the government to actively connect with young people and close the current divide between political figures and the youth. He emphasised that the nation’s prospects rely on a harmonious environment, which is currently at risk because of insufficient engagement from young people in the governance and decision-making areas. Several other speakers aligned with Hayab’s viewpoint, advocating for the government to prioritise youth Empowerment as an essential approach to curbing extremism.
Inclusion is needed to ensure a safe and working society.
Ustaz Abdulfattah Adeyemi, who heads the Baynakum Family Counselling Centre in Abuja, cautioned against stifling young voices, noting that surface calmness isn’t always indicative of genuine harmony. Adeyemi highlighted that the discontent felt by the youth could result in dangerous outcomes if neglected. He cautioned that if they persist in overlooking their concerns, there will come a moment when their calmness could fade. It’s essential to involve the younger generation, provide them with chances, and guarantee they sense the government’s involvement in their daily existence.
Adeyemi also urged the government to prioritise creating jobs and constructive activities for the youth, encouraging leaders to actively pursue initiatives that offer employment and foster positive engagement for young people. Rev. Sam Oye, the founder of Transforming Church International in Abuja, emphasised that merely appointing young people to government roles is insufficient; they need to engage directly in the development of policies. He highlighted that embracing diversity is crucial for alleviating conflicts and fostering peace, urging leaders to acknowledge Nigerian youth’s varied skills and talents.
Participating in contemporary societal developments is essential.
Young people are eager to make meaningful contributions rather than simply receiving support; they aspire to play a role in the nation’s development. According to Oye, Nigerian youths possess immense potential, and giving them the opportunity to showcase their talents will reveal their remarkable abilities. He highlighted the need to engage youth from diverse political affiliations, ensuring that all voices are heard in the process of shaping national policies, not just those from the governing party.
Mr. Rafiu Adeniran Lawal from the Building Blocks for Peace Foundation emphasised the importance of political leaders backing young people as peace advocates. He noted that the environment surrounding Nigerian youth often resists transformation, yet it is crucial to inspire them to participate in contemporary societal developments. They simply require some encouragement to operate successfully as peace advocates. He went on to emphasize that the existing political climate is habitually unwelcoming to youth involvement, yet young individuals must continue to push for their inclusion.
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Moreover, the panel members collectively agreed that building a peaceful environment in Nigeria hinges on political leaders’ involvement with the youth, understanding their issues, and offering them chances to participate in the development of the nation. Failing to do this may escalate the increasing discontent among young Nigerians, potentially resulting in more violence and radicalism. Encouraging conversation and generating job prospects will enable the government to tackle the underlying factors of dissatisfaction, paving the way for a more harmonious future for every Nigerian.