By Lucky Isibor
The West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP-Nigeria) has called for greater investment in youth leadership, education, innovation, entrepreneurship and civic participation to promote sustainable peace and development in Nigeria.
WANEP-Nigeria made the call in a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, August 12, to commemorate the International Youth Day, celebrated this year under the theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations.”
The organisation said the theme underscores the shared aspirations of young people across different social, economic and political environments, including the desire for peace, dignity, quality education, meaningful participation, decent work and a sustainable future.
According to WANEP-Nigeria, young people between the ages of 18 and 35 constitute more than 50 per cent of Nigeria’s population and have continued to demonstrate leadership in peacebuilding, civic engagement, entrepreneurship, climate action, innovation, humanitarian response and community development.
It, however, noted that Nigerian youths continue to face challenges such as unemployment, insecurity, inequality, misinformation and limited opportunities to participate in decision-making.
The organisation said that despite these challenges, young people had consistently demonstrated resilience and commitment to building stronger and more peaceful communities.
The National Network Coordinator of WANEP-Nigeria, Bridget Osakwe (PhD), said International Youth Day was an opportunity to recognise the common aspirations of young people despite differences in their backgrounds and circumstances.
“International Youth Day reminds us that while young people may come from different backgrounds and face different realities, they share common aspirations for peace, opportunity, inclusion, and a better future,” Osakwe said.
She added that Nigerian youths were already demonstrating leadership in their communities and required an enabling environment to maximise their contributions to national development.
“Nigeria’s young people are already demonstrating leadership in their communities, and it is our collective responsibility to create enabling environments where they can thrive, participate meaningfully in decision-making, and contribute to sustainable peace and development,” she said.
Osakwe While stressing the importance of investing in young people, Osakue pointed out that “Investing in young people today is an investment in a more peaceful, resilient, and prosperous Nigeria tomorrow.”
WANEP-Nigeria said it had continued to promote awareness and implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250 on Youth, Peace and Security and other accompanying resolutions.
The organisation also said it had expanded its engagement with universities across the country through awareness campaigns, public lectures, policy dialogues and strategic partnerships designed to deepen students’ understanding of the Youth, Peace and Security agenda.
It called on government institutions, development partners, the private sector, educational institutions, traditional and religious leaders, and civil society organisations to deepen investments in young people.
WANEP-Nigeria said creating inclusive opportunities for youths to influence policies and contribute to national development was critical to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to working with young people across Nigeria to strengthen peacebuilding, promote dialogue, encourage active citizenship and build resilient communities where young people can realise their aspirations.