Nigerian Government Trains One Million Youths in Conflict Management

The Nigerian government has reiterated its commitment to training one million youths in conflict management and entrepreneurship development to address the country’s growing population and employment challenges.

This announcement was made by the Director General of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) Mr. Joseph Ochogwu, during the 8th International Conference on Love and Tolerance organized by UFUK Dialogue in Abuja.

Mr. Ochogwu highlighted the conference’s objective to treat youths as agents of peace, encouraging them to engage in peacebuilding activities to foster sustainable development in Nigeria.

He stressed that the platform serves as a means to bridge gaps in perceptions within Nigeria’s multicultural and multi-religious society.

Discussing Nigeria’s peacebuilding progress, Ochogwu pointed out the country’s significant strides in sensitisation, advocacy, mediation, and post-conflict reconstruction.

He further emphasised the importance of youth involvement in peacebuilding, citing the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 2250 on Youth, Peace, and Security, which underscores the vital role of youth in promoting peace.

Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, represented by Anderson Madubuike, appealed to Nigerian youth to embrace peace and love as a means of transforming the country.

He encouraged increased patriotism, as young people still have the potential to shape a better future.

The Director General of the Committee on Youth Mobilisation and Sensitisation Obinna Nwaka, echoed similar sentiments, emphasising that youths are essential drivers of societal progress.

He also highlighted the government’s increased investment in youth empowerment, noting that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has doubled the budget allocated for the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund, from 75 billion naira to 150 billion naira.

The President of UFUK Dialogue, Emrah Ilgen reaffirmed the importance of youths in overcoming global challenges and creating solutions rooted in justice, inclusion, and mutual respect.

The conference, themed “Empowering Youth: Cultivating a Culture of Peace and Understanding,” brought together various stakeholders, including religious leaders, civil society organisations, students, and government officials, all united by the goal of fostering a peaceful and prosperous future.