Youth Lead the Charge for Peace and Sustainable Development in Nigeria

Wairimu Mwangi

October 6, 2025

A group of people stands behind a table holding signs, with a

Diverse faith leaders gather to commemorate International Youth Day in Nigeria.

Over 200 young people, religious leaders, women representatives, and government officials gathered in Minna, Niger State, on August 12, 2025, to commemorate International Youth Day under the theme “Youth Local Action for SDGs through Inter-Religious Harmony.” The one-day event, hosted by Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Nigeria, highlighted the critical role of young people in peacebuilding, sustainable development, and fostering unity across faith and ethnic divides.

Speaking at the event, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, Country Director of GPF Nigeria, emphasized the importance of interfaith dialogue and inclusive leadership in addressing Nigeria’s challenges. “Young people are not just leaders of tomorrow, they are leaders of today,” he stated, urging them to rise above divisions of religion and ethnicity to become bridge-builders and innovators for national development. “Today’s gathering here in Minna is a declaration that despite our diverse faiths, ethnicities, and cultures, we choose dialogue over division, unity over conflict, and peace over violence,” he asserted.

A group of people, including men and women in formal and traditional attire, pose for a photo at an indoor event focused on youth and sustainable development, with a

Nigerian youth celebrate International Youth Day with Global Peace Foundation.

The program, whose participants also included youth leaders, traditional rulers, and persons with disabilities, provided a platform for dialogue between youth, security agencies, and policymakers. It promoted a collective vision of peace, social cohesion, and innovation as pathways to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Representatives of the Niger State government, religious organizations, and security agencies commended the initiative. Delivering the Governor’s message, Special Adviser on Print Media Aisha Wakaso affirmed the state’s commitment to supporting youth-focused peace initiatives, while also condemning gender-based violence and calling on women and young girls to speak out against abuse.

Several people stand at a table, signing papers or documents—some holding pens and wearing brightly colored clothing—demonstrating their commitment to youth leadership and sustainable development.

Nigerian youth celebrate International Youth Day with Global Peace Foundation.

Security officials present acknowledged the role of non-kinetic measures, such as dialogue and awareness campaigns, in tackling crime and youth restiveness. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) stressed the urgency of addressing substance abuse, citing its link to rising insecurity and wasted youth potential.

The event also received endorsements from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), the Niger State Religious Affairs Commission, and civil society leaders, who lauded GPF Nigeria for fostering interfaith collaboration and empowering youth to drive sustainable change. Rev. Joshua Pikoto of CAN described the initiative as “timely and necessary,” while Mallam Mamman Ketso of JNI stressed that achieving the SDGs depends on harnessing the energy, creativity, and ingenuity of young people, guided by religious leaders who ensure that humanity remains at the core of their actions. He highlighted the importance of sustaining dialogue across gender, age, and religious divides to foster lasting peace and progress.