The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has launched a Network of Youth Peace Champions (YPCs) in North-East Nigeria to empower young people in peacebuilding and protect children from violence.
The initiative, titled: ‘Protecting Children From Violence in Contexts of Insecurity,’ builds on the successes of previous UNODC interventions, particularly the STRIVE Juvenile project, and targets Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe states.
The project aims to address child exploitation by armed groups through rehabilitation and reintegration programmes, with state governments partnering to prioritise child protection measures.
Thirty-two Youth Peace Champions were trained through workshops on communication, advocacy, and activism, equipping them to lead peace initiatives in their communities.
The launch featured prominent officials from the three states, who lauded the initiative as a beacon of hope for the conflict-affected region.
In his address at the launch, Barma Shettima, Commissioner of Youth, Sport and Community Development from Yobe State, emphasized the importance of youth involvement in conflict resolution and peacebuilding efforts.
He commended the resilience and leadership shown by the youth involved in the YPC initiative, describing it as a beacon of hope for the North-East region.
“This initiative supported by UNODC through the End Violence Against Children (ENDVAC) programme represents a symbol of hope for our communities,” he said.
He further pledged Yobe State’s commitment to supporting the YPCs in their peacebuilding endeavors. “We will work hand in hand with UNODC and other partners to provide the necessary resources, guidance, and opportunities for our youth to succeed,” he added.
Similarly, his Adamawa State counterpart Wali Yakubu, expressed gratitude to UNODC for expanding its ENDVAC program to the state.
He underscored the state’s readiness to collaborate in ensuring the success and sustainability of the Youth Peace Champions Network, noting that empowering young people is key to achieving long-lasting peace in the region.
Zuwaira Gambo, Commissioner of Women Affairs and Social Development from Borno State commended the UNODC’s ongoing efforts in empowering young leaders.
She pointed out that the initiative is more than just a platform; it is a movement led by youth who are passionate about creating a safer and better future for their communities.
“This network supported by UNODC is more than just a platform: it is a movement driven by the passion and resilience of our youth, who are dedicated to creating a better and safer future for all,” she stated.
Borno State has been at the epicenter of Nigeria’s insurgency crisis, but it is also a place of resilience and hope. Hon. Gambo reflected on the state’s unique contributions to peacebuilding, particularly through the STRIVE Juvenile Project.
In this project, 16 Youth Peace Champions led an awareness campaign that reached over 9 million people with messages of hope and reconciliation.
The commissioner added that the has played a crucial role in supporting peacebuilding initiatives, including the reintegration of children affected by terrorism.
The establishment of intergenerational dialogue structures by the YPCs has been instrumental in helping communities peacefully resolve conflicts and welcome back children who had been caught in the insurgency.
Speaking on behalf of the UNODC, Abba Ali Yarima Mustapha, National Project Officer for the ENDVAC programme, expressed optimism about the future of the initiative.
He stated that the launch of the Youth Peace Champions Network is an essential step toward creating a solid foundation for lasting peace and security in the region.
Babaji Usman Babaji is an investigative journalist with over four years of experience, renowned for his impactful reporting on corruption, human rights violations, and holding those in power accountable in Nigeria.
His career is distinguished by participation in numerous media training programs and conferences, which have honed his investigative and reporting skills. Babaji’s data-driven stories have made a significant impact, particularly in Northern Nigeria, shedding light on critical issues and driving meaningful change.
As a reporter under WikkiTimes’ Collaborative Media (CMEDIA) Project, Babaji has led several groundbreaking investigations. He was a 2022 fellow of the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) and a 2024 Media Foundation for West Africa DPI/DPG fellow. His contributions to accountability journalism earned him a Certificate of Recognition from Xchange Hama Media for impactful community work.
