Young leaders in Plateau State are taking the lead in advancing peace and accountability through active participation in local governance.
PERISCOPE NIGERIA reports that this was the focus of a one-day workshop held on Monday at Crest Hotel, Jos, with the theme “Youth Engagement in Local Governance: Opportunities for Peace in Jos North and South LGAs.”
The workshoporganizesed by Joan Mafeng Nyam under the auspices of the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund (NYFF), brought together youth representatives, civil society actors, and local government officials to deliberate on the role of young people in fostering peace, inclusion, and transparent governance.
Resource persons, including Cecelia James and Gushem Pannam, led insightful sessions on leadership, dialogue, and community participation, emphasising that sustainable peace can only be achieved when young people are empowered to engage meaningfully in decision-making processes.
At the end of the workshop, participants resolved to establish a Youth Governance Network to promote sustained advocacy, collaboration, and civic engagement at the grassroots level.
In her closing remarks, Nyam commended the participants for their commitment to building peaceful communities and urged government institutions to create more platforms for youth involvement in governance.
The Nigeria Youth Futures Fund, with technical support from LEAP Africa, the MacArthur Foundation, and the Ford Foundation, continues to support initiatives that empower young Nigerians to shape the future of peace and governance in their communities.
