Minister of Youth Development Affirms Commitment to Peace in Niger Delta

Minister Ayodele Olawande has emphasized the Nigerian government’s commitment to achieving lasting peace in the Niger Delta. His remarks during a multi-stakeholder consultative engagement underscored the importance of community-driven approaches to security challenges. The event aimed to foster collaboration among various stakeholders to explore effective strategies for promoting peace in the region.

Nigeria’s Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring lasting peace and security in the Niger Delta region. These remarks were made during a one-day consultative engagement in Abuja, which gathered key stakeholders from various sectors, including government, security agencies, civil society, and youth organizations.

Represented by Mr. Obinna Nwaka, Director General of the Committee of Youth on Mobilization and Sensitization, the Minister celebrated the collaborative effort of organizations such as Search for Common Ground and the Partnership Initiative for the Niger Delta. He underscored the significance of this dialogue as a pivotal step toward establishing sustainable peace in the region.

In his address, Comrade Olawande emphasized the necessity of community-led approaches in addressing the ongoing security concerns and criminal activities afflicting the Niger Delta. The event aimed to present findings from the “Community-Centered Approach to Transforming Criminality and Violence in the Niger Delta” project, focusing on strategies to foster peace.

Moreover, the Minister acknowledged the advancements achieved in tackling these persistent challenges and urged participants to collaborate on effective solutions that resonate with both local needs and global peacebuilding initiatives. He stated, “This engagement provides an invaluable opportunity to exchange knowledge, ideas, and locally relevant strategies to combat violence and criminality in the Niger Delta.”

Recognizing the central role of women and youth in driving change within their communities, Comrade Olawande insisted on their inclusion in the peacebuilding process. He reiterated the Federal Ministry of Youth Development’s dedication to supporting the resolutions forged from these discussions and called for continuity in collaborative efforts aimed at transforming the region into a beacon of peace and prosperity.

Furthermore, the Minister expressed strong support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s initiatives on security, job creation, and education in the Niger Delta. He reassured participants that the Ministry of Youth Development would bolster these efforts through programs such as the National Integrated Youth Agency and the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund.

In closing, Comrade Olawande urged all stakeholders to unite with a common vision to ensure that the outcomes of the engagement result in actionable strategies for the Niger Delta’s advancement. This consultative meeting marks ongoing efforts toward cultivating a peaceful and secure environment, with a keen emphasis on empowering the youth in driving the region’s transformation.

The Minister of Youth Development has reiterated the government’s commitment to peace in the Niger Delta, highlighting the importance of community-driven strategies for tackling insecurity. The engagement facilitated dialogue among diverse stakeholders aimed at exploring effective solutions to combat violence. By empowering youth and fostering collaboration, the initiative seeks to create a sustainable and prosperous future for the Niger Delta.

Original Source: von.gov.ng