By: Mayen Etim
KADUNA, North-West, Nigeria – The NGO, Global Peace Development (GPD), has called for urgent action to address the pressing issues of social exclusion and economic disenfranchisement of youth, which are driving conflict and violence in Northern Nigeria.
GPD’s Executive Director, Ebruke Esike made the call at a youth summit on violent extremism, to commemorate this year’s International Youth Day in Kaduna on Thursday, August 22.
Speaking at the event with the theme: “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development,” Esike said the youth are not just victims of circumstance, but agents of change, and as such must be empowered to be able to resist extremist narratives and foster a culture of peace and tolerance in the society.
He reiterated that GPD and ActionAid Nigeria (AAN), through the System and Structure Strengthening Approach against Radicalization to Violent Extremism, (SARVE III) project with funding from Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF), is committed to championing youth inclusion through different empowerment programmes for self reliance.
“Today’s summit is not just an event; it is a platform for you to express your ideas, showcase your talents, and engage in meaningful discussions that highlight the importance of youth inclusion in governance and decision-making,” said Esike.
The GDP’s ED further said, “The challenges we face; ranging from social exclusion to economic disenfranchisement are not just issues that affect us, they are calling for action. The youth, who make up a significant portion of our population, are not merely passive observers in this landscape; you are the architects of change, the innovators, and the leaders of tomorrow.
“The Global Peace Development, through the System and Structure Strengthening Approach against Radicalization to Violent Extremism (SARVE III) Project, is dedicated to building Community resilience against violent extremism. This initiative is designed to empower you: Our at-risk youths and young women by providing you with the tools and knowledge necessary to resist extremist narratives and to foster a culture of peace and tolerance within our Communities.”
Earlier, the Country Director, ActionAid Nigeria (AAN), Andrew Mamedu, said that the theme for 2024 International Youth Day: “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development,” is apt considering how digitalization is reshaping the society, providing unparalleled opportunities to fast-track sustainable development and digital technologies.
Mamedu who was represented by AAN Project Coordinator, Aliyu Adamu, noted that digitalization plays crucial role in youth empowerment, conflict mitigation, preventing and countering violent extremism and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), precisely the SDG 16 which seeks to address peace, justice and strong institution.
He averred that digitalization is transforming the world, offering unprecedented opportunities to accelerate sustainable development, adding that digital technologies such as mobile devices, services, and artificial intelligence are instrumental in advancing SDGs.
He said the data generated from digital interactions supports evidence-based decision-making. With profound impact across economic, social and environmental dimensions.
According to him, today, young people are leading the charge in digital adoption and innovation, with three-quarters of those aged 15 to 24 using the internet in 2022 a higher rate than other age groups. “However, disparities persist, particularly in low-income countries (like our country Nigeria) and among young women, who often have less access to the internet and digital skills compared to their male counterparts.
“While there is an urgent need to enhance digital inclusion, youth are largely recognized as “digital natives,” using technology to drive change and create solutions. As the 2030 deadline for the SDGs approaches, the role of young people in digital innovation is essential for addressing global issues,” said Mamedu.
Highlights of the event includes; a cultural dance display and award presentation to winners of Kaduna and Kano, (KAKA) video contest 1.0, an initiative aimed to promote youth engagement, creativity, and social change in the country.
Six Kaduna communities of the AAN’s SARVE III project that contested for the KAKA Video contest 1.0 include: Turunku Youth Farmer’s Cooperative Society Ltd., Wusasa Youth Agricultural Cooperative Ltd., Anguwan Masara Achievers Youth Cooperative Society Ltd., Kachia Salama Youth Cooperative Society Ltd., Nariya Youth Cooperative Society Ltd., and Damishi Youth Cooperative Society Ltd.
The Turunku Youth Farmer’s Cooperative Society Ltd. emerged winners of the contest with a total of 43 marks to beat Damishi Youth Cooperative Society Ltd. with 22 marks.
While Nariya Youth Cooperative Society Ltd. came 3rd with 20 marks, the Wusasa Youth Agricultural Cooperative Ltd. and Anguwan Masara Achievers Youth Cooperative Society Ltd. came 4th and 5th with 19 and 15 marks respectively.