A delegation of Youth Peace Advocates, mentored by the Peace Ambassadors Centre for Humanitarian Aid and Empowerment (PACHE), visited the Borno State Ministry of Information and Internal Security on Tuesday, August 12, 2024. The visit aimed to review progress and explore new avenues for collaboration in peacebuilding efforts across the state.
The delegation, led by PACHE President and Founder Ambassador Ahmed Shehu, was welcomed by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Professor Usman Tar, at the Musa Usman Secretariat in Maiduguri. Ambassador Shehu highlighted that the visit’s primary objectives were to present the Youth Peace Advocates’ six-month scorecard for ministry review and to discuss potential areas for further partnership.
PACHE, in collaboration with the British Council, had previously selected, trained, and inducted 100 young individuals as Youth Peace Advocates. These advocates have since been actively involved in various peacebuilding initiatives, including conflict resolution, mental health support, and climate mitigation. Their efforts have significantly complemented the work of the Borno State Government (BOSG) in several sectors.
During the meeting, the advocates shared detailed accounts of their activities, achievements, and challenges. Hussaina Muhammad spoke about their participation in launching the Borno State Climate Action Plan and the commemoration of World Climate Day 2024, where they collaborated with UNICEF on a tree-planting initiative in the Shuwari community. Barrister Sumayyah Idris and Saleh Bukar discussed tree-planting campaigns at Alakaramti Mega School and the replanting of trees removed during road construction, in partnership with Borno Go Green.
Hafsat Mustapha provided insights into the advocates’ engagement with low-risk repentant insurgents at the Maiduguri Social Orientation Camp, where they delivered lectures on life after camp and skills transfer. Dr. Babatunde Alakija presented an overview of ongoing research into the aftermath of the #EndBadGovernanceProtest in Borno State, which experienced significant destruction and loss of life despite prior stakeholder engagement.
Ambassador Shehu also advocated for a one-hour media slot on Dandal Kura Radio Maiduguri for youth-focused engagement, a request that Commissioner Tar approved immediately. In his response, Commissioner Tar reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with credible organizations like PACHE to foster peace in Borno. He praised the advocates for their dedication to youth empowerment and community service, noting that PACHE has played a vital role in complementing the government’s efforts in community engagement and peacebuilding.
Professor Tar requested that PACHE and the Youth Peace Advocates compile and submit a detailed report of their activities and impact, which he plans to present to the Executive Governor of Borno State. He encouraged the advocates to continue their work and to submit any requests for further support and assistance to the ministry.
The visit concluded with a group photograph and the signing of the visitors’ register.
