Young leaders from across West Africa have converged at the ECOWAS Commission Headquarters in Abuja for the Youth Creative Conference 2025, a two-day engagement focused on the African Union’s flagship initiative, Silencing the Guns by 2030.
The event, was organized by the ECOWAS Commission in partnership with the African Union (AU) and Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Youth Development.
It brought together youth advocates, policymakers, and peace ambassadors from across the region to explore creative approaches to ending violence and building lasting peace in Africa.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Mr. Piex Joseph Ahoba, Head of the Small Arms Division, emphasized the crucial role of young people in driving the peace and security agenda across West Africa.
“With over 60% of West Africa’s population under 25, young people are not just the future — they are the present drivers of peace, democracy, and development,” Ahoba said.
He reaffirmed ECOWAS’s commitment to youth empowerment as a tool for preventing conflicts and promoting regional stability.
The African Union High Representative for Silencing the Guns, Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas, who was the Special Guest of Honour, commended Nigeria and ECOWAS for sustaining regional dialogue on peacebuilding.
“The 2030 target of silencing the guns cannot be achieved without the meaningful participation of Africa’s youth,” Dr. Chambas stated.
“They must be seen not as a challenge, but as a strategic asset for building a peaceful and prosperous continent.”
The conference featured panel discussions, creative showcases, and policy dialogues aimed at amplifying young voices in the continental campaign for peace, security, and sustainable development.
