THE UNDERUSED RESOURCE IN PEACE BUILDING
Looking at the root causes of conflict particularly the underlying development challenges, social marginalization, weak socioeconomic conditions, poverty, and political disenfranchisement which are the pressing challenges of today and factors extremist use to radicalize and recruit people to commit violence. A united youth, Strengthened in capacity can emerge as leaders in our communities advocating for peace, human rights, stability and effective governance which is key to sustainable development.
The large and growing cohort of digitally connected youth should be a force to countering violent extremist narratives by identifying and developing non-violent and practical solutions to address these problems, advocating for strong institutions, management of ethnic and religious diversity. Let’s be the voices of peace, tolerance and inclusion — the voices of the young who believe in a future of hope and progress — that will ultimately degrade and defeat violent extremism.

It is also important to build on social programs designed to strengthen families’ influence on youth and ties to local communities. Using positive youth development programs to empower children and youth to be true agents of conflict transformation in their various communities, through programs like leadership training, peace education, youth-focused TV and radio shows would create a greater connectivity and networks to shape a more secure and prosperous future for the Northeast of Nigeria. This would reinforced commitment to our core values — integrity, good governance, education, compassion, security, and respect for human rights. These are values the terrorist don’t just ignore, but desecrate at every turn.

But it is not enough, we also need to treat those who defect or escaped from the grasp of violent extremists, particularly those who were abducted against their will, with sensitivity as they return to their communities. The emotional and psychological trauma wrought on the surviving victims of the cold blooded actions of violent extremism would require effective programs to rehabilitate and reintegrate them into their communities.
Youth engagement into the program to provide assistance in welcoming these individuals back into society, safely, without the threat of continued violence or discrimination is the only way to move a community forward, beyond the turbulence of these times which is critical in building more safer and resilient communities.

Let these serve as a call for us all to share our experiences as young leaders working for positive change. We are, or need to be, at the heart of every community and development initiative. That is how we will pull up terrorism by its roots. That is how we will build strong, resilient communities. Let’s realize our potential, regain hope and build prosperous futures for ourselves, our families, our communities, the Northeast and the nation Nigeria.
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