Youth peace advocates in Borno are developing a plan to reduce the engagement of youths in violent protests in the state.
The meeting was facilitated by Ambassador Ahmed Shehu, founder of Peace Ambassador Center for Humanitarian Aid and Empowerment.
Recently, the center, in partnership with Borno State Government and British Council, selected and trained 100 youths on peace advocacy.
They were also equipped with leadership skills to mobilize activists, amplify positive voices, and provide mentorship to fellow youths.
Speaking about the meeting, Shehu said the meeting aimed to analyze the implications of the recent ‘#Endbadgovernance Protest’ and identify strategies to promote peace among communities.
He emphasized the need for youth peace advocates to develop a plan to mitigate youth involvement in violent protests and social vices.
The youth peace advocates agreed to conduct a critical analysis of the situation, identify the needs of youths in society, and present their findings to the government at the sub-national level.
They aimed to ensure that all groups and marginalized communities have a voice in governance.
In an interview, Hassana Mohammed Bunu, a youth peace advocate, stated that they will work to amplify the voices of marginalized communities.
Ali Yerima, another peace advocate, emphasized the need to address joblessness and lack of youth empowerment, which often lead to youth engagement in crisis.