The need for youth inclusion in peace building has been stressed by the Voluntary Services Overseas International (VSO Nigeria).
The country director, Lucia Balonwu while speaking at a 5-day workshop as part of the programmes slated for the International Youth Day, held in Ilorin recently, said energy of youths should be harnessed positively towards nation building.
The workshop on conflict prevention and peace building, attracted cross section of youths in Kwara State.
Balonwu, who lamented the underutilisation of youth in the country despite their population, suggested that they could be involved in peace process.
“In Nigeria, we have a large youth base but it is a shame that we have not been using them as much as possible, ensuring that we have peace. At VSO, we are contributing towards building the capacity ofย ย youths and ensuring that they are engaged in the peace process.
She added that the workshop is an avenue for the organisation to build the capacity of the Nigerian youths on conflict prevention and peace building and social inclusion.
“It is important for the youth of this country to be involved in the campaign for peaceful existence, since war and conflict does not benefit anyone,” she stated.
In an interview with newsmen at the event, the acting Chairman of the National Youths Council (NYCN), Kwara State chapter, Alli Nasiru Yusuf described the workshopย ย as insightful, aimed at shaping viewpoints of participants.
Another participant, Mrs. Ruth Ejechi while commending the organisers, said, “our eyes are opened and we are now aware that exclusion is rife in Nigeria. This propgramme has enlightened us to come together and reverse the abnormal situation.โ
