Attendance
About 40 participants which included members of the Nigeria Youth 4 Peace Initiative across Nigeria, representatives of the Centre for Disaster Risk and Crisis Reduction, Centre for Peacebuilding and Disaster Relief, All Nigeria United Nations Students and Youth Association, United Nations Information Centre, Lagos, Nigeria Police, Society for Peace Studies and Practice, West African Network for Peacebuilding, Oyo State, Peace and Conflict Students Association, University of Ibadan were all in attendance.

Background
The importance of engaging young men and women in shaping lasting peace led to the adoption of the united nations security council resolution 2250 on youth, peace and security in 2015. This global policy framework spotlighted the nexus between youth, peace and security and also emphasised youth inclusion into institutions and mechanism for conflict prevention, resolution and peacebuilding. This workshop which is the first phase for the implementation of UNSCR2250 in Nigeria is designed to sensitise and create awareness on the existence of this important policy framework among youth and civil society actors.

OBJECTIVES OF THE WORKSHOP
The objectives of the workshop are as follows;

1. To explore the components of the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 2250 and how it can be applied.
2. To equip and build the capacity of youth and youth-led organisation to effectively advocate and monitor the implementation of UNSCR 2250.
3. To institute and seek commitments towards the working group known as UNSCR 2250 Monitoring Group in Nigeria.

PROGRAM CONTENT
Opening Session
The workshop began at 10:05 am with the second stanza of Nigeria‟s national anthem. The National Coordinator, Mr Lawal Rafiu Adeniran while welcoming participants to the workshop emphasized that youth are a major stakeholder if lasting peace and sustainable development goals would be achieved. He pointed out that persons who are below the age of 35 years occupy an estimated 65% of Nigeria‟s population, therefore, given that demographic advantage, their inclusion in decision-making institutions is not negotiable. He urged the youth to come together to demand their participation in decision-making processes.

Goodwill Messages
Goodwill messages were given by Mr Amusat Kolawole of West African Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP), Mr Olayiwola Lawal of the Society for Peace Studies and Practice (SPSP) Oyo State Chapter, and Mr Ayo Davies of All Nigeria United Nations Students and Youth Association (ANUNSA).

The Keynote Address
The Keynote Speaker, Mr Ronald Kayanja, Country Director of United Nations Information Centre (UNIC), Lagos while delivering the keynote address lauded the efforts of Nigerian Youth 4 Peace Initiative (NY4PI) in organizing this important event, as it was the first time that he was engaging with young people on the UNSCR 2250 which was passed in December 2015.
He posited that this was the first time a nongovernmental organization was doing something about this resolution. He stressed that the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) would support the efforts of the Nigeria Youth 4 Peace Initiative (NY4PI) in making sure that Nigeria implements this resolution. He noted that the resolution was important to the World and in particular to Nigeria because it will bring about youth inclusion in the socio-economic and political sphere and due to this, his office will see to it that it supports all efforts that would make sure that this particular resolution is domesticated in Nigeria. He posited that since the resolution was approved by the United Nations Security Council it becomes binding on the Member States to implement the content thereof because they dwell on matters that relate to international peace and security. He quoted a report written by the British Council in 2010 titled, The Next Generation Report “in the worse case Nigeria will see the growing number of restless young people frustrated by lack of opportunity, increased competition for jobs, land, natural resources and political patronage, cities that are increasingly unable to cope with the pressure placed on them, ethnic and religious conflict and radicalization and its political system discredited by its failure to improve lives.
He said implementing the resolution in Nigeria is not an option but a priority as it calls on the Members States to ensure increase participation of young people in decision-making processes. Also, the resolution calls for the protection of young people during conflict situation in compliance with international law, the resolution calls on member states to prevent violence by providing peace education, promote the culture of peace and empower young people to avoid exclusion.
Mr Kayanja, who identified advocacy and awareness creation, domestication and integration of the resolution into the workings of the government, improving the socioeconomic status of young people, training of young people on conflict resolution, peacebuilding and de-radicalization of armed groups and militias, keeping the United Nations accountable on these resolutions especially their agencies in Nigeria, would go a long way in making the resolution effective in Nigeria.

Inauguration of UNSCR 2250 Working Group in Nigeria
The workshop witnessed the formal inauguration of „United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250 Monitoring Group in Nigeria’. This working group was charged with the responsibility of coordinating the advocacy and monitoring of the resolution in the six geo-political zones of Nigeria. Mr Ronald Kayanja, Country Director, United Nations Information Centre who officially inaugurated members of the group handed over “A Guide to United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250” packaged by United Network of Young Peacebuilders (UNOY) to all members of the Working Group.

SECOND SESSION
Dr Willie Eselebor, a guest facilitator from the Institute for Peace and Strategic Studies, University of Ibadan dealt with monitoring and evaluating UNSCR 2250. He noted that M&E is high on the developmental agenda of many organisations and it is about what worked, what failed to work and why. He mentioned that projects fail in this part of the world because there is no proper monitoring and evaluating mechanism. He explained that evaluation helps us understand the relevance of a particular intervention in a broader development context. It, therefore, means that as a peacebuilder you need to understand the culture and language of the people and the place in question to bring about positive change.
Dr Eselebor while summarizing his presentation advised that for effective monitoring and evaluation of the UNSCR 2250, NY4PI should monitor the level of acceptance and domestication of the resolution. The level of protection accorded youth during armed conflicts, the level of inclusiveness and consultation in the decision-making process, the opportunities opened to youth to engage in post-conflict peacebuilding and lastly the partnership- political, financial, technical and logistical support to youth in development.

Another, guest facilitator, Mr Amusat Kolawole, Oyo State Coordinator, West African Network of Peacebuilding (WANEP-Nigeria) whose presentation centred on “Advocacy: an Instrument of Positive Change” opined that advocacy is a right based issue. According to him, for advocacy to be meaningful and purposeful, one must put into consideration the changing nature of the issues and problems, the credibility of data, information and individual or people involved in advocacy. He stressed further that advocacy required skills, tact and collaboration.

OUTCOME
1.The one-day workshop enlightened participants about the key components of the UNSCR 2250.

2. It equipped and built the capacity of youth and youth-led organisation to effectively advocate and monitor the implementation of UNSCR 2250.

3. The inauguration of a working group known as UNSCR 2250 Monitoring Group across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. These are as follows; Mrs Femi Bucknor – South-West, Mr Ayo Davies -South-South, Miss. Matesun Oluwabukunmi -North-West, Miss Emmanuella Uche Odina – South-East, Mr Gaius Omoteinse – North-Central, Mr Bababunmi Williams – North-East.

CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the workshop ended with a vote of thanks from Matesun Oluwabukunmi, the Director for Partnership and Sponsorship. She thanked all the facilitators and participants that attended the workshop. The workshop came to an end at 2:40 pm
Report Written by Williams Bababunmi and Ajasa Motunrayo

ATTENDANCE
About 100 participants were in attendance. Of this, 88 were young people below the age of 35 years. Others included representatives of Civil Society Organisations, INGO, Professional bodies, Academia, Security agencies, UN agencies, Media etc.

BACKGROUND
In Nigeria, communities and towns have experienced unfathomable death and destruction resulting from the activities of Boko Haram in the north and violent groups in the south. These groups have largely recruited unemployed youth into their ranks. Recent debates on Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) have challenged the traditional narrative regarding youth as victims or as perpetrators of violent conflicts. Young people around the world are now working to build peace and prevent violent extremism.

In November-December 2016, Search for Common Ground (SFCG) in conjunction with USAID, NERI and the University of Maiduguri hosted a Regional Youth Summit on Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) held in Maiduguri, Borno State. The regional summit brought together young people from five (5) African states including Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, Mali and Niger to discuss the various drivers of violent extremism and develop possible solutions towards building the resilience of communities against violent extremism. This One- Day National Youth Summit on “Youth Participation in Countering Violent Extremism: Opportunities and Challenges” was intended towards ensuring that the experiences and outcomes of the regional summit were disseminated to a wider network.

OBJECTIVES OF THE WORKSHOP
The summit was aimed at raising awareness on how youth participation, protection, partnership and engagements can prevent violent extremism and foster sustainable peace and development. It was intended to engage and strengthen local and national networks of young people focused on addressing violent extremism in their communities and provide an opportunity to share experiences, challenges, and best practices to prevent/counter violent extremism across Nigeria. It was also to provide a platform to showcase the contributions of young people to peacebuilding efforts and the achievement at the grassroots levels.

PROGRAM CONTENT
Opening Session
The summit began at 10:35am with the second stanza of Nigeria‟s national anthem. The National Coordinator, Nigeria Youth 4 Peace Initiative (NY4PI); Mr Rafiu Adeniran Lawal while welcoming participants to the national youth summit opined that one major threat to the achievement of sustainable peace and development is the growing surge of violent extremism groups especially in Nigeria. He argued that while it is true that youth have been involved in violent actions in various part of the world, what is becoming evident is that majority of young people are contributing to peacebuilding across the world. He posited that one major reason for organizing the youth summit was to provide an avenue for young people to identify and discuss the drivers of violent extremism and possible solutions. He therefore, urged participants to tap from the several opportunities on how young people can counter/prevent violent extremism in their communities that will be discussed during the summit.

Goodwill Messages
Goodwill messages were given by Mrs Oyewo Olakunbi on behalf of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Oyo State Command, Mr Simon Christian of ONE Campaign, Mr Adesina Oludare, State Commandant, Peace Corps, Oyo State and Mr. Amusat Kolawole, representative of West African Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP-Nigeria).

The Keynote Address
Professor Olawale Albert, Director, Institute for Peace and Strategic Studies (IPSS), University of Ibadan, who was represented by Dr. Benjamin Aluko while presenting the first keynote address on „Youth Participation in Countering Violent Extremism: Opportunities and Challenges‟ defines violent extremism as the act of advocating, engaging in, preparing or supporting ideologically motivated/justify violence for achieving political or socioeconomic objectives. He argues that due to the negative effects of violent extremism and its capacity to hinder societal peace and development, the whole discourse on Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) which largely connote responses to violent extremism should be taken seriously by individuals, state, nations and all relevant stakeholders. According to him, youth participation in Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) in Nigeria should not be explored outside of the political opportunities structure. He posited that the political opportunities structure in Nigeria rather than mobilize youth in countering violent extremism, encourages them to engage in violent extremism. He argued that if youth are to be effectively involved in countering violent extremism, youth must question the political opportunity structures which largely forces youth to take up violent actions in the first instance. He concluded by saying that irrespective of the enormous challenges stopping young people from taking advantage of the available opportunities in countering violent extremism, youth must continue to take CVE initiatives.

The Guest Speaker, Dr. Zebulon Takwa; Peace and Development Advisor, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP-Nigeria) during his presentation on „Preventing Violent Extremism: The Antidote of Education‟ appreciated Nigeria Youth 4 Peace Initiative (NY4PI) for taking the courageous step in bringing young people together to discuss their roles in Countering Violence Extremism (CVE). Dr. Zebulon pointed out that one major problem confronting international and regional organisations is the tendency to talk about the youth and not to talk with the youth. He pointed out that peacebuilding is all inclusive and therefore urged youth to continue to speak to ensure that their voices are heard and listened to by governments, regional and international organisations.
Dr. Zebulon while reemphasizing the United Nations support and willingness to partner with relevant stakeholders including youth in ensuring peace and development in Nigeria argued that education/teachers are a veritable tool in the fight against violent extremism.

SECOND SESSION
Fatima Askira, Youth Coordinator, Search for Common Ground (SFCG Nigeria) presented the „Youth Action Agenda to Prevent Violence and Promote Peace‟ and also the „Common Ground Approach to Countering Violent Extremism (CVE)‟at the summit. She began by arguing that nobody is born a terrorist, that people only learn terrorist acts from their environment. She opined that, In Nigeria, Search is preventing violent extremism by engaging young people on how to address grievances constructively and also working with religious leaders on a project called “Protection of Holy Sites in Northern Nigeria”.
Fatima, while narrating to participants that the Common Ground Approach to Countering Violent Extremism hinges on four pillars which are Prevention, Disengagement, Enabling Effective State Response and Amplifying Credible and Constructive Narratives, encouraged youth to adopt embrace dialogue as the only means of resolving conflicts.
Samuel Olalekan, one of the participants at the Regional Youth Summit organised by Search in Maiduguri, Borno State in November 2016 who is also the founder of Gwise Global Community, also took time to share with participants the experiences and various opportunities explored at the regional youth summit which he said gave birth to the national youth summit. He therefore, charged participants to ensure that they take actions against the spread of violent extremism.

OUTCOME
1. Participants acquired new knowledge and deepened their understanding of CVE/PVE.
2. Participants were exposed to the potentiality of various opportunities e.g sport, media, education, religious dialogue available for young people interested in working on CVE/PVE.
3.Participants came up with individual commitments (actions) towards building the resilience of those at the frontline against the surge of violent extremism.

CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the workshop ended with a vote of thanks from Matesun Oluwabukunmi, the Director for Partnership and Sponsorship, Nigeria Youth 4 Peace Initiative (NY4PI). She thanked all the facilitators and participants that attended the summit. The event came to an end at 3:40pm

Report Written by
Rafiu Adeniran Lawal

The centrality of election to popular participation and representative governance cannot be overemphasized. It is the mechanisms through which citizens choose their representatives. However, due to the win at all cost syndromes, elections in Nigeria are usually marred by violent conflicts. At the centre of these violent conflicts are the youth that makes up about 63 per cent (60 million) of all the eligible voters.

This capacity-building workshop which was attended by representatives of government ministries, politicians, youth leaders, members of the academia and media, representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the representative of Search for Common Ground- Nigeria is part of the activities designed by the organization to foster peaceful 2019 elections in Nigeria.

Barrister Kunle Adegoke delivering the Keynote Address at the event.
The Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Oyo State, Hon. Abayomi Oke who delivered the opening remarks and declared the workshop open welcomed all participants to the event. The commissioner while speaking charged participants on value-reorientation and the need for the youth to properly activate their roles for the socio-economic and political stability of our nation.

The Keynote Speaker, Dr. Muiz Banire (SAN) who was represented by the Managing Partner of M.A Banire and Associates, Barrister Kunle Adegoke advised Nigerian youth to dedicate their efforts towards ensuring that there is a change in the way we do things in our society, especially during elections.

Barrister Kunle Rasheed Adegoke, who is also a gubernatorial aspirant in Osun State, advised Nigerian youth to shun money-induced voting, so as to enable them to enthrone ready-to-serve individuals who by all means are ready to serve the country and push it to the desired destination. While pleading that youth get their voters card, Barrister Kunle urged Nigerian youth to start campaigning against godfatherism, money-induced voting, and barbarism in Nigeria’s political space, suggesting that youth change their thinking and their consciousness to have a better Nigeria.

Mr. Oladayo Ogunbowale, a media consultant and USIP Generation Change Peace Fellow, whose facilitation centred on “Combating Hate Speech During Elections”, said hate speeches are utterances, typed documents, advertorials, musicals or any form of literature that are used to attack an individual, a group – religious, social, political, business – gender or race.

Mr. Oladayo made known that various mass media outlets in the country have failed in their social responsibility to society. He opined that the television was used to propagate various hate speeches during the 2015 general campaign in Nigeria. “The various mass media in the country have over the years, turned to propaganda tools in the hands of politicians and powerful people in the country, rather than tools for nation-building.”

While cautioning Nigerian youth to shun hate speech and sharing of unverified information, advised that through simple Google search, information can be verified in some cases. He, however, suggested that Nigerians should shun the habit of sharing as received as some use this to incite clashes online and offline.

Mr. Mathias Yake, Early Warning Coordinator at Search for Common Ground-Nigeria who facilitated on “Early Warning and Response System: Youth as Electoral Violence Observers” charged the youth to be of good conduct during elections, clarifying that election observers must be peace-loving and be interested in peace in the community. He stressed that youths should be alert and knowledgeable about peace and conflict issues in their community beyond election time.

The event which was held at the Institute for Peace and Strategic Studies, University of Ibadan came to an end with participants renewing their resolve to ensuring that 2019 elections and beyond are peaceful and promise to take the message of peace to their various locality.

Report Written By

Yusuff Olayode
Director for Media

In 1981, the UN General Assembly agreed to set aside a day as the international day of peace, devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace among all nations and people. Subsequently, every September 21 was chosen as the international day of peace.

As part of activities to mark Peace Day 2019, Building Blocks for Peace Foundation in collaboration with the Centre for Disaster Risk and Crisis Reduction, American Corner Ibadan and the UN information Centre Lagos, organised a one-day Peace and Climate Dialogue under the theme “Climate Action for Peace”.

The event which held on Thursday 19 September, 2019 at the American Corner/IACD Library, Ibadan, Nigeria, brought together scholars, peacebuilders, climate change expert, relevant stakeholders and members of the public to think of a collective action on how to promote advocacy on climate action for sustainable peace. During the dialogue, participants shared their opinions on the dangers of climate change and how stakeholders can work together to ensure climate action for peace.

                                                                                               Speakers at the BBFORPEACE 2018 PEACE DAY

Mr Rafiu Lawal, the Director of Building Blocks for Peace Foundation while welcoming participants to the event noted that one major effect of climate change in Nigeria is the struggle for land and other resources between farmers and herders which has led to several killings and destruction of farmlands and communities in Plateau, Kaduna, Niger, Ebonyi, Benue, Ekiti, Ondo, Ogun, Oyo, Enugu and many other States threatening peoples livelihood and the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030.

The keynote speaker Dr Stephen Faleti of the Institute of Peace and Strategic Studies (IPSS), University of Ibadan, who was represented by Dr Lanre Yusuf, spoke extensively on the menace caused by climate change in various parts of Nigeria. He linked climate change to contemporary conflicts including Boko-haram terrorism in the North-eastern part of Nigeria, land-resource conflicts and the Fulani-herdsmen conflicts in various parts of Nigeria. Dr Lanre encouraged the participants to change their attitude towards the environment and see the environment as a ‘baby’ in need of protection. He stressed on the need for massive public sensitization and awareness campaign on the implication of climate change on the environment and identified several ways by which the public can promote climate action for peace. He ended by stating that a good climate is vital for ensuring sustainable peace.

Mr. Sola Fagorunsi of One Life Initiative, Mrs. A.O. Ojewale of the Justice Development and Peace Commission and Mr. Sheriff Ajao of Centre for Disaster Risk and Crisis Reduction engaged the audience in a panel discussion on climate change, food security, and peacebuilding. The panelists explored the implication of climate change in various industries and the need for climate action for peace. Some important recommendations included the need for climate-smart agriculture, access to long-term credit facilities for farmers, sensitization and awareness campaign for farmers on climate change and its implication on agriculture and food security, the need for proactive action, the need for alternative dispute resolution and the need for strengthening local security.

Panel discussant at the #PeaceDay2019.

The International Centre for Climate Change and Development Initiative, Africa represented by Miss Abikoye Abimbola, Mr Enitan Tunde and Miss Saya Abigail also facilitated a session on ‘The Role of Youth in Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation’. Miss Abimbola emphasised on the need for youth inclusion in decision making and policy implementation and urged for genuine youth partnership for combating climate change.

Professor Gabriel Ogunmola, former chairman of the Nigerian Academy of Science who also graced the occasion noted that, if only we can all possess a thermometer, we will be able to address the problem of climate change.

Goodwill messages were also taken from the representatives of the West African Network for Peacebuilding, Nigeria and the National Orientation Agency-Oyo State.

The concluding remark was given at about 2:42pm by the Deputy Director, Building Blocks for Peace Foundation, Mr Yusuf Olayode who appreciated all invited guest and participants at the commemoration.

Participants left the event with a renewed commitment to support the fight against climate change and treat the environment nicely.

Written by
Effevottu Stephanie
Program Officer, Building Blocks for Peace Foundation.

In attendance at the Nigeria Youth for Peace Award were members of the board of Building Blocks for Peace Foundation led by the chairman, Dr Willie Eselebor, dozens of local and international civil society organisations including the West African Network for Peace-Building (WANEP), Centre for Development and Democracy, Change Alliance Initiative, Freedom for Information Network, African Students for Liberty amongst others, students, professionals and members of the press.

Dr Winjobi, the Chairman of the occasion in his opening remarks acknowledged the important role youths had to play in driving the actualization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). According to him, the Millenium Development Goals (MDGs) were not completely successful due to the lack of active involvement of youths in the implementation.

The Executive Director of the Building Blocks for Peace Foundation, Mr Rafiu Adeniran Lawal lamented the fact that the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250 had not been domesticated in Nigeria. Youth organizations like the Building Blocks for Peace foundation thus lacked the necessary support from the public and private sectors of the Nigerian society.

A youth panel with eminent youth peace-builders was convened to discuss The Role of Youths in Peace-Building. The panelists made insightful revelations concerning the fact that youths are often the agents of violence especially in the period of elections. They lamented that youths were easily swayed by the political class for their divisive ends. They proffered solutions including putting peace-building content where it could be found such as social media and intensive peace education. They encouraged youths to participate in politics in the right way. The Not Too Young to Run bill was acknowledged by the panelists as a step in the right direction. However, it was determined that youths had to develop themselves to be able to offer credible leadership different from what is currently obtainable. The panelists agreed that the role of mentors was invaluable to breeding youths with the capacity to positively affect society. The SDGs require broad support and cooperation among youth organizations to  be achieved.

The National Coordinator of the West African Network for Peace-Building (WANEP) Mrs Bridget Osakwe ably represented by Mrs Vivian gave an inspiring keynote address on the theme- United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250: Designing a Road Map for National Implementation in Nigeria. She noted that the current climate in Nigeria was devoid of peace with the presence of extremist groups such as Boko Haram in the North alongside the Farmers-Herders clash and the Biafra agitations in the south. According to her, over 50,000 Nigerians have been casualties of over 4,000 violent incidents amounting to 40% of all deaths in the country since 2008. She praised the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250 for identifying the linkage between youths and the global peace agenda. She identified the dual roles of youths both as the perpetrators of conflict and the victims as refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs). Mrs Osakwe urged the Nigerian government to borrow a leaf from the adaptation of the UNSCR 1325 on women to domesticate the UNSCR 2250. It should be done through implementation at local, state and national levels, intense awareness-creation, media engagement and appropriate funding for youth-led organizations working in the realm of peacebuilding such as the Building Blocks for Peace Foundation. She praised the Foundation for the organizing of the maiden Nigeria Youth for Peace Award and charged other youths to follow suit and work for the peace and progress of Nigeria.

The Director of Research, Building Blocks for Peace Foundation, Mr Allwell Akhigbe noted that the reason for the convening of the Nigeria Youth for Peace Award was to inspire youths to promote peace in their societies by proactively taking on peace-building projects. The Award was conceived to be an annual event that would celebrate the important role of peace-builders in creating the Nigeria that we want.

The Nigeria Youth for Peace Award was presented to Olasupo Abideen, the founder of Brain Builders International for the remarkable work of his organization in creating peace in the society. The award was presented to him by Dr Winjobi, the chairman of the occasion.

The vote of thanks was given by the coordinator of American Corner who thanked the esteemed guests for their commitment to attend the august occasion and restated the support of the American Corner, Ibadan for the work and values of the Building Blocks for Peace Foundation.

Allwell Aikhigbe,
Director for Research,
Building Blocks for Peace Foundation.

In 1981, the UN General Assembly agreed to set aside a day as the international day of peace, devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace among all nations and people. Subsequently, every September 21 was chosen as the international day of peace.

As part of activities to mark Peace Day 2019, Building Blocks for Peace Foundation in collaboration with the Centre for Disaster Risk and Crisis Reduction, American Corner Ibadan and the UN information Centre Lagos, organised a one-day Peace and Climate Dialogue under the theme “Climate Action for Peace”.

The event which held on Thursday 19 September, 2019 at the American Corner/IACD Library, Ibadan, Nigeria, brought together scholars, peacebuilders, climate change expert, relevant stakeholders and members of the public to think of a collective action on how to promote advocacy on climate action for sustainable peace. During the dialogue, participants shared their opinions on the dangers of climate change and how stakeholders can work together to ensure climate action for peace.

                                                                                               Speakers at the BBFORPEACE 2018 PEACE DAY

Mr Rafiu Lawal, the Director of Building Blocks for Peace Foundation while welcoming participants to the event noted that one major effect of climate change in Nigeria is the struggle for land and other resources between farmers and herders which has led to several killings and destruction of farmlands and communities in Plateau, Kaduna, Niger, Ebonyi, Benue, Ekiti, Ondo, Ogun, Oyo, Enugu and many other States threatening peoples livelihood and the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030.

The keynote speaker Dr Stephen Faleti of the Institute of Peace and Strategic Studies (IPSS), University of Ibadan, who was represented by Dr Lanre Yusuf, spoke extensively on the menace caused by climate change in various parts of Nigeria. He linked climate change to contemporary conflicts including Boko-haram terrorism in the North-eastern part of Nigeria, land-resource conflicts and the Fulani-herdsmen conflicts in various parts of Nigeria. Dr Lanre encouraged the participants to change their attitude towards the environment and see the environment as a ‘baby’ in need of protection. He stressed on the need for massive public sensitization and awareness campaign on the implication of climate change on the environment and identified several ways by which the public can promote climate action for peace. He ended by stating that a good climate is vital for ensuring sustainable peace.

Mr. Sola Fagorunsi of One Life Initiative, Mrs. A.O. Ojewale of the Justice Development and Peace Commission and Mr. Sheriff Ajao of Centre for Disaster Risk and Crisis Reduction engaged the audience in a panel discussion on climate change, food security, and peacebuilding. The panelists explored the implication of climate change in various industries and the need for climate action for peace. Some important recommendations included the need for climate-smart agriculture, access to long-term credit facilities for farmers, sensitization and awareness campaign for farmers on climate change and its implication on agriculture and food security, the need for proactive action, the need for alternative dispute resolution and the need for strengthening local security.

The International Centre for Climate Change and Development Initiative, Africa represented by Miss Abikoye Abimbola, Mr Enitan Tunde and Miss Saya Abigail also facilitated a session on ‘The Role of Youth in Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation’. Miss Abimbola emphasised on the need for youth inclusion in decision making and policy implementation and urged for genuine youth partnership for combating climate change.

Professor Gabriel Ogunmola, former chairman of the Nigerian Academy of Science who also graced the occasion noted that, if only we can all possess a thermometer, we will be able to address the problem of climate change.

Goodwill messages were also taken from the representatives of the West African Network for Peacebuilding, Nigeria and the National Orientation Agency-Oyo State.

The concluding remark was given at about 2:42pm by the Deputy Director, Building Blocks for Peace Foundation, Mr Yusuf Olayode who appreciated all invited guest and participants at the commemoration.

Participants left the event with a renewed commitment to support the fight against climate change and treat the environment nicely.

Written by
Effevottu Stephanie
Program Officer, Building Blocks for Peace Foundation.

On the 12th of June, 2019, the Building Blocks for Peace Foundation organized a one-day Capacity Building Training which focused on the Youth, Peace and Security Agenda. The training, which was anchored by Mr. Allwell Akhigbe, the Director of Research, Building Blocks for Peace Foundation, had approximately 22 youths in attendance where they were introduced to the concepts of Conflict Transformation and Peacebuilding, the United Nations Security Council 2250 and Strategies for Transforming Violent Narratives.

Dr. Dayo Ogunbowale, a Media Consultant and USIP Generation Change Peace Fellow, who facilitated the first lecture of the training, titled “Transforming Violent Narratives (Media and Peacebuilding)” stated that the content of information changes as it passes through different mediums because people add or remove from the original content during the process. He further stated that narratives will always transfer because life is a perspective. He added that stories can support discrimination, violent, conflicts and injustices but the good news is that stories can also be an opportunity for positive change and transformation.

Dr. Dayo continued by saying that the moment you disagree with someone, you are in conflict with that person and this poses the need to argue with facts and that is if need be for argument. He, furthermore, stated that conflict that is not well managed transforms to violence. He stated that for one to have a good grasp of a situation, one must be an active listener, with this he went
ahead to dissect Non-Violent Communication (NVC) by Marshall B. Rosenberg, the American Psychologist. Following the first lecture, the participants were divided into three activity groups to deliberate and map out how to manage different tasks given. After the group discussion, a representative
from each group presents on how to use stories which project peace to manage hate speech, defamation of character. Rounding up his session, Dr. Dayo Ogunbowale asserted that perspective changes based on the information at hand and when challenges come, maximize them.

Mr. Rafiu Lawal, the Executive Director of Building Block for Peace Foundation, came on board to analyze how individuals or groups can work together for peace and peace,network with other peace organisations like the United Network of Young Peacebuilders (UNOY). He spoke to participants on the existing United Nations Security Resolution 2250, a policy framework which supports youth participation in peacebuilding. He stated that this working document has five main components which include:

 Participation- nothing for us without us
 Protection- young people must be protected during armed conflicts
 Prevention- empower the young people on conflict prevention strategies
 Partnership- work with young people to utilize their potentials positively
 Disengagement and Reintegration- Rehabilitate those that engage in violence and those affected by the incidence to see beyond their present predicament and envision greater future.

The outcome of the training
 Participants learnt to be active listeners and properly scrutinize information before dissemination.
 Participants acquired new knowledge and deepened their understanding of UNSC Resolution 2250 and how well it can impact the society and make it a better place for all  Participants were also encouraged to put all learnt into practice by also teaching other
youths about their role in building peace in their immediate communities and world at large.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the training ended with a vote of thanks from Mr. Rafiu Lawal, the Executive Director for Building Blocks for Peace Foundation. He thanked all the facilitators and participants that attended the training.

Report Written By

Timothy Morenikeji and Oluwaseun Kolawole

Mr Rafiu Adeniran Lawal, the host and the Executive Director of Building Blocks for Peace Foundation while welcoming participants to the event, opined that since the adoption of UNSCR 2250 on Youth, Peace and Security in 2015, there has been a noticeable challenge with national implementation resulting from lack of awareness, lack of skills and capacity and stakeholders’ lukewarm commitments to push it through. The 2019 Nigeria Youth4Peace forum, therefore, convened over 70 young peacebuilders, scholars, representatives of government ministries, relevant stakeholders and members of the public to discuss and explore strategies with which they can localize the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250 and how youths’ participation in peacebuilding can be strengthened in Nigeria.

While delivering his opening remark, the chair of the event, Honorable Olajuwon Olaosebikan from the Lagos State House of Assembly asserted that when young people are excluded or disempowered from peacebuilding processes, the end result will be structural violence. He encouraged youth to be well informed in order for them to be able to participate actively in peacebuilding and also noted that the Lagos State government is fully committed to implementing policies that will help foster youths’ participation and engagement in peacebuilding and sustainable development.

The Keynote Speaker, Mrs Patience Ikpe Obaulo, Head of Programs of WANEP-Nigeria who spoke on ‘Building a Culture of Peace in Nigeria’ argued that sustainable and positive peace can only be attained in Nigeria if we make peace a culture and not just a one-time thing that comes up in times of conflicts.
According to her, one of the ways in which we can build a culture of peace is to “catch them young”; which means that peaceful living should be taken to the younger generation through peace education in the lower classes. Similarly, Mr. Imrana Alhaji Buba, a renowned young peacebuilder from Yobe State,
Nigeria who spoke on “Youth Building Peace”, posited that it has becomes imperative for youth peacebuilders to develop and create non-traditional peacebuilding initiatives such as art, music and dancing in promoting peace.

Panelist at the event also discussed the various pillars of the UN resolution and concluded that there is need for strengthening inter-religious and inter-ethnic dialogue at community levels, good governance, economic empowerment and increased collaboration between youth and all other stakeholders in the
society.

Participants at the event commit to working together as one body under the banner of the ‘Nigeria Coalition on Youth, Peace and Security’ towards ensuring that peace is restored to every conflict zone and urged government at all levels to ensure that young people are meaningfully engaged in the peace and development architecture in Nigeria. They ask government at all levels to create a Youth, Peace and Security unit to cater for issues affecting youth and peacebuilding.

Awards were also presented to young individuals and organizations who have worked for peace within 2019.

The 2019 Nigeria Youth4Peace forum was supported by Gwise Agric Concept, the United Nations Association of Nigeria, Nigeria Youth Network on SDGs and the Ministry of Education, Lagos State.

Report Written By
EFFEVOTTU, Efetobor Stephanie
Research Assistant, Building Blocks For Peace Foundation

Mr Rafiu Adeniran Lawal, the Executive Director of Building Blocks for Peace Foundation (BBFORPEACE), who welcomed the 70 participants to the forum noted that the event was an important organised to discuss youth protection in the light of the #EndSARS protests and the harsh effect of COVID-19 on young people. He emphasised that one of the ways of achieving sustainable peace is to prioritise the protection of young people.

Dr Willie Eselebor, the Board Chairman of Building Blocks for Peace Foundation, reiterated the need for intergenerational dialogue and mentorship for young people from the older generation particularly in developing their peacebuilding capacities.

Other guest speakers at the forum included Mr Sher Nawaz, the Country Director of Search for Common Ground Nigeria who was represented by the Director for Finance, Mr Onnu Udalor. Onnu reiterated Search’s commitment to championing the Global Youth, Peace and Security agenda and pledged to continue to build youth capacity and collaborate with youth-led organisations in its programming especially in Nigeria. Mrs Patience Ikpe-Obaulo, the Head of Programs at WANEP Nigeria, praised the efforts of BBFORPEACE in driving the domestication of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250 through awareness programs and also the creation of the Nigeria Coalition on Youth, Peace and Security (NCYPS). She stressed the need for youth to continue to collaborate and leverage their abilities and make a sustainable impact.

Lt Colonel, M.S. Daroda, a Commanding Officer at 7 Guard Battalion of the Nigerian Army who also attended the event maintained that the interest of the army and the Nigerian security forces is to protect young Nigerians and also work with them for a secure country. He decried the actions of bad eggs in the security forces that had portrayed them in a bad light as the enemies of youth and urged civil-military dialogues to strengthen their collaboration.

Dr Sintiki Tarfa Ugbe, Director of Humanitarian and Social Affairs at the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, affirmed that youth were central to the prosperity and security of the West African region. She lamented that West Africa has the lowest level of social protection at just 10% and called for more community-based initiatives to build peace in local communities. Dr Garba Abari, the Director-General of National Orientation Agency who was represented at the forum, emphasised the importance of youth in mitigating conflict at the grassroots level and called for more peer sensitization and reorientation among the Nigerian youth.

Dr Benson Olugbuo, the Executive Director of CLEEN Foundation, made his keynote speech on the theme titled: Young People’s Protection: An Inevitable Strategy for a Peaceful and Prosperous Society. He argued that the Youth, Peace and Security agenda initiated by the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250 (UNSCR 2250) increased the peacebuilding initiatives of young people which make up 63% of the Nigerian population. According to him, the #EndSARS protest was a justifiable demonstration of young people’s need for protection which ironically ended with the government failing to protect them as multiple casualties ensued as a result of government confrontation. Dr Benson noted that the #EndSARS youth protest was a peaceful means of expressing youth displeasure with the status quo. He charged the government to provide jobs and ensure the security of lives and property and urged the youth to come together to participate actively in politics through innovative means including creating their party.

Mr Theophilus Ekpon, the Executive Director of Centre for Sustainable Development and Education in Africa (CSDEA) gave the second keynote speech titled ‘An Overview of the Youth, Peace and Security Agenda: From Amman to Nigeria’. He traced the creation of the YPS agenda to the Amman Declaration adopted at the Global Forum on Youth, Peace and Security in 2015 to its implementation in Nigeria including the development of the National Action Plan on Youth, Peace and Security. He urged the government to utilise early warning systems to work with youth to build peace proactively rather than respond slowly after lives have been lost to violent conflict. He advocated for the provisions of employment opportunities by the government and creation of a political party by the youths among themselves to take power from the older generation.

A Panel discussion was held by representatives of top stakeholders in the Youth, Peace and Security scene. Mr Rotimi Olawale from Youth Hub Africa discussed the shrinking civic and digital space. He lamented that security forces were perceived by the general public as extortionists and fraudulent personnel. He decried the shrinking space that had become the reality and urged the government to uplift human rights and the rule of law. Mr Ibrahim Farouq from YIAGA Africa discussed the police brutality and violation of human rights of young people as seen in the #EndSARS protest. He noted that police abuse is systematic victimisation of young people and called for police accountability and transparency when dealing with the public. The Representative from the Institute of Peace and Conflict Resolution emphasised the role of youth in CVE as very important due to peer-to-peer engagement. She tasked the government to equip youth organisations with training and opportunities to counter violent extremism. Mrs Patience Ikpe Obaulo of WANEP considered the intersectionality of the Women, Peace and Security and Youth, Peace and Security agendas as important to building strong partnerships between women and youth groups in peacebuilding. She particularly highlighted young women peacebuilders as those working at this intersectionality that needs as much support from all stakeholders as possible. Mr Isaac Adeagbo from the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development noted the need to engage youth in the digital economy with several opportunities offered by the ministry such as online programs, grants and training on digital skills, employability and entrepreneurship. He urged young people to take advantage of technology to learn the valuable skills required in the future of work.

The Building Blocks for Peace Foundation publicly presented its flagship publication titled: Connecting and Amplifying the Voices of Youth Building Peace in Nigeria book which captures the impact of 16 youth-led organisations in peacebuilding. One of the editors of the book, Mr Allwell Akhigbe, Research Director at BBFORPEACE stressed that the book focused on 6 themes which included: youth participation in politics, use of arts, sports and media for creative peacebuilding, gender empowerment, climate change, sustainable livelihoods and formal and informal peace education. Mr Allwell noted that despite little funding, insecure contexts and negative stereotypes of youth as violence perpetrators, young people continue to work for peace across communities in Nigeria and beyond. He, therefore, called for the creation of youth-focused funding opportunities and capacity-building as well as strong partnerships with the government and civil society for more impact. Dr Sintiki from ECOWAS launched the book to rousing applause from the participants.

The 2020 Nigeria Youth for Peace Award was presented to the winners- Mr Michael Afolami of Peace Actors Network in the male category and Miss Oluwatoyin Esther Agaja of Eco Diversified International who won the female category. Both winners received a seed grant of $150 each and Youth, Peace and Security publications.

The closing remarks and vote of thanks were delivered by Miss Mojisola Ogundiran of the United Network for Youth, Peace and Diplomacy (UNYPD) who appreciated all stakeholders for their participation.

 

Report Written by
Allwell Akhigbe, Ismail Amodu and Yahaya Ismaila
Research Team, Building Blocks for Peace Foundation