The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has urged Nigerian youths to take active roles in peacebuilding and conflict prevention ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Director-General of IPCR, Dr Joseph Ochogwu, made the call in Abuja at the opening of a two-day training programme for National Youth Service Corps members, SIWES participants, interns and volunteers.
The programme, organised under the Renewed Hope Agenda for Young Peacebuilders, was designed to equip young Nigerians with skills to identify, prevent, manage and transform conflicts while promoting sustainable peace and national development.
Dr. Ochogwu said youths should be regarded not merely as beneficiaries of peacebuilding initiatives but as partners and drivers of efforts to promote dialogue, tolerance and national unity.
He urged participants to apply the knowledge gained from the training in their communities, workplaces, schools, places of primary assignment and online platforms, particularly as the country approaches the 2027 elections.
The IPCR chief also warned young Nigerians against spreading rumours, misinformation and hate speech, saying such content could escalate existing tensions and undermine peaceful coexistence.
He stressed the importance of responsible social media use, urging youths to use their digital influence to promote tolerance, challenge false information and encourage unity among Nigerians of different ethnic, religious and political backgrounds.
Dr. Ochogwu said Nigeria’s diversity remained a major strength but could become a source of tension if poorly managed, adding that peace was essential to sustainable development, investment, education, healthcare and economic growth.
The Peace and Development Adviser, United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office, Ms Grace Kpohazounde, urged young peacebuilders to speak up against injustice and exclusion, which she identified as factors that could generate frustration and conflict.
Ms. Kpohazounde also encouraged the participants to regard peacebuilding as a long-term commitment, rather than an avenue for immediate financial gains, and to remain actively engaged in preventing conflict.
Similarly, the Senior Conflict Adviser, British High Commission, Dr David Rinnert, urged young Nigerians to understand conflicts deeply, develop clear visions for addressing them, communicate effectively and work with others to achieve sustainable solutions.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, represented by Ambassador Muyiwa Aiyedun, said peacebuilding was critical to national unity and economic development.
He urged the young peacebuilders to help prevent violence, strengthen social cohesion and contribute to creating an environment conducive to national development.
The training brought together NYSC members, SIWES participants, interns and volunteers as part of IPCR’s efforts to strengthen young Nigerians’ capacity in conflict prevention, mediation, dialogue, tolerance and responsible civic engagement.
