The newly appointed African Union Youth Ambassador for Peace for West Africa, Ms. Simone Diouf has called for more support from the government, civil society and partners on the implementation of Nigeria’s National Action Plan on Youth, Peace and Security (YPS).
Diouf made the call on Thursday in Abuja at an event organised by Building Blocks for Peace Foundation (BBPF) in collaboration with the Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflict (GPPAC)-West Africa, with the theme: ‘‘Advancing Youth, Peace and Security Agenda in West Africa’’.
The meeting attended by over 50 peace activists and civil society organisations across Nigeria was to provide a platform for the Youth Ambassador to share her vision, priorities, and programs on youth and peacebuilding in West Africa.
She also called for support and the inclusion of young people in the peace and security architecture of Nigeria and West Africa.
Diouf, however, applauded the federal government and young people of Nigeria for becoming the first country in Africa to adopt a National Action Plan on YPS.
She noted that the National Action Plan on YPS is very important as it helps to outline how stakeholders can work together with young people on issues of peace and security.
Diouf stated: “Nigeria’s National Action Plan on Youth, Peace and Security adopted in November 2021 is a vital national document that reflects the African Union commitment to peace and security and can help in addressing Nigeria’s current security challenges if it is rightly implemented by all stakeholders.”
Also, the Executive Director of BBPF, Mr. Rafiu Lawal said Nigeria deserves peace more than ever before and citizens must guard the relative peace that the country is currently enjoying.
He noted that young people who constitute 60 percent of the population must be supported to contribute to the peace process.