The United States, in collaboration with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering peace and tolerance in Nigeria by organizing a youth-focused summit in Abuja. Minister of Youth Development, Jamila Bio Ibrahim, played a pivotal role as the keynote speaker.
The summit brought together participants representing various youth groups and networks that have received support from the USAID Community Initiatives to Promote Peace (CIPP) activity. Valued at $15 million over five years, USAID CIPP aims to encourage peaceful coexistence and collaboration in Nigeria by mitigating violent conflicts in vulnerable communities.
As part of the broader partnership between the United States and Nigeria in addressing security challenges, the U.S. government leverages the strengths of religious and traditional leaders, women, youth groups, government officials, and civil society. Initiatives like USAID CIPP identify and promote community-based solutions, empowering these diverse groups to enhance community responses to challenges and collectively build a resilient and peaceful future. The summit highlighted the impact of USAID’s investment in youth participation and leadership across six northern states: Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Benue, Kogi, and Plateau.
Key summit highlights included panel discussions and presentations focused on strengthening peacebuilding efforts and fostering sustainable partnerships between youth-led organizations, government agencies, and civil society groups. The event also amplified youth voices by sharing experiences, successes, and innovative approaches for addressing challenges related to insecurity.
In his address at the summit, United States Chargé d’affaires David Greene emphasized the pivotal role of youth in peacebuilding. He stated, “By attending today’s conference, you’ve each signaled how important the cause of peace is for Nigeria…Youth are the bedrock of society’s social and economic development. The future of Nigeria depends on youth charting a path of peace, as you are the future leaders of this great nation.”
