Metro
Youth coalition celebrates 8th anniverssary of UNSCR 2250
**Says, the youth can play positive role in sustainable peace
The Nigeria Coalition on Youth Peace and Security has marked the 8th Anniversary of the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR 2250) on Youth Peace and Security on the 9th December, 2023
In a statement that was jointly signed by the Co-Chairs of the Coalition namely Amina Dauran, Theophilus Ekpon and Maryam Ibrahim Sani indicated it comemorated the 8th anniverssary with the support from the Federal Ministry of Youth Development also the United Nations Population Fund.
According to the statement, the UN Security Council Resolution 2250 (UNSCR2250) was passed after more than 10,000 young people called for it in the Amman Youth Declaration, adopted during the Global Forum on Youth, Peace and Security in August 2015.
“The Resolution marked the birth of a Youth, Peace and Security agenda and was very much inspired by the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security.
“The UNSCR 2250 on Youth Peace and Security (YPS) was unanimously adopted by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on 9th December, 2015 under the leadership of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, and hence the anniversary of the UNSCR 2250 is commemorated on this day globally.”
According to the statement, the adoption of the UNSCR2250 marked the culmination of years of advocacy by civil society for the recognition by the Security Council that young men and young women have a critical and positive role to play for building sustainable peace.
“Its passage would not have been achieved without the leadership of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, who sponsored the resolution, hosted the Global Forum in Amman and led an Open Debate in the Security Council in April 2015.
“This resolution is the first to be fully dedicated to recognizing the important and positive role young women and men play in the maintenance and promotion of international peace and security.
“It recognizes that the energy and creativity of young people should be harnessed and actively engaged in shaping lasting peace and contributing to justice and reconciliation, and that a large youth population presents a demographic dividend that can contribute to lasting peace and economic prosperity if inclusive policies are in place.
“UNSCR 2250 acknowledges that the growth of violent extremism, especially amongst young women and men, threatens stability and development, and can often derail peacebuilding efforts, and foment conflict.
The remaining part of the statement reads,
“The Resolution stresses the importance of addressing the conditions and factors leading to the rise of violent radicalization and extremism amongst youth. It also notes the important role young women and men can play as positive role models in preventing and countering violent extremism.
“A reference to the Secretary General’s Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism to integrate youth’s participation, leadership and empowerment as core to the United Nation’s strategy and responses, is included.
Security Council Resolution 2250 specifically identifies five main pillars for action:
Participation: calling on Member States to involve young people in conflict prevention and resolution, in violence prevention and in the promotion of social cohesion. “Member States are urged to consider ways to increase representation of youth in decision making at all levels.
Protection: recalling the obligations to protect civilians, including young people, during armed conflict and in post conflict times, and in particular from all forms of sexual and gender based violence.
“Prevention: urging the facilitation of enabling environments, investments in socio-economic development and quality education for young women and young men, and the creation of mechanisms to promote a culture of peace, tolerance, intercultural and interreligious dialogue that involve youth.
“Partnership: highlighting the need to increase political, financial, technical and logistical support for the work with young peacebuilders by relevant UN entities as well as regional and international organizations.
“It also highlights the importance of partnering with youth, local communities and non-governmental actors in countering violence extremism.
“Disengagement and reintegration: for young women and men directly involved in armed conflict, including through youth employment opportunities, inclusive labour policies, national youth employment action plans in partnership with the private sector, relevant education opportunities, and support for youth-led and peacebuilding organizations as partners in youth employment and entrepreneurship programs.
“In response to the unanimous adoption of the UNSCR 2250 on Youth Peace and Security, Nigeria developed and launched a National Action Plan (NAP) on Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) that is anchored on the five pillars of the UNSCR 2250 on YPS on November 1, 2021. Working with Civil Society and Youth groups, we have also established the Nigeria Coalition on Youth, Peace and Security (NCYPS) that is co-Chaired by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, the Centre for Sustainable Development and Education in Africa, and the Youth Wing of the Police Community Relations Committee. “The NCYPS through its co-Chairs and Steering Committee is leading the implementation of the NAPYPS in Nigeria.
In a bid to localize UNSCR 2250 in Nigeria, the Federal Ministry for Youth and Sports Development (FMYSD) in partnership with the Centre for Sustainable Development and Education in Africa (CSDEA), and the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) – Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs launched the UNSCR 2250 in Abuja in October, 2016 to bring attention to the issues of Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) – marking a renewed focus on the YPS agenda in Nigeria. An outcome of the launch was the establishment of a National Working Group on Youth and Peacebuilding which later became the Nigeria Coalition on Youth, Peace and Security, when the Interagency Working Group on Youth and Peacebuilding metamorphosed into the Global Coalition on Youth, Peace and Security.
Another outcome of the launch of the UNSCR 2250 in Nigeria and the subsequent 2017 National Consultative Conference on Youth, Peace and Security was the call by stakeholders to develop a NAPYPS. The process to develop a NAPYPS in Nigeria was robust including over a dozen of in-person consultations with young people and other stakeholders in the form of national conferences, zonal workshops, national validation meetings, and community level focus group discussions to bring together youth groups, civil society, government, security agencies, the media, traditional and religious institutions from communities across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory. Inputs were also received through over one dozen online consultations and meetings. Several youth and civil society organizations as well as the AU through its Youth for Peace (Africa) Program sent in written inputs. Notably, these consultations were preceded by a desk review, development of structured instruments, pre-test and validation of the instruments before use. Thereafter, the NAPYPS was subjected to an affirmation meeting on the 27th of August, 2021 before its official launch on November 1st, 2021 by the Honorable Ministers of Youth and Sports Development, and Women Affairs.
“The Youth, Peace and Security agenda in Nigeria has the Nigeria Coalition on Youth, Peace and Security, its co-Chairs, the Steering Committee with the support of the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development leading its implementation.
“There are also State Coalitions on Youth Peace and Security across Nigeria and especially in pilot states that are also led by three co-Chairs and a Steering Committee.
“The NAPYPS (2021 – 2024) which was developed to reflect and build upon the five pillars of the UNSCR 2250 is now in its pilot phase of implementation in Adamawa, Anambra, Delta, Kaduna, Oyo and Plateau states, and the Federal Capital Territory. “These states have been chosen as pilots to measure impact and collect data that will guide scaling full implementation to other states. It is also noteworthy to mention that NAPYPS implementation is also on-going in non-pilot states that were able to mobilize additional resources. These states include Katsina, Kano, Nasarawa and Kogi. Both Kogi and Nasarawa states have recently launched their State Action Plans on YPS.
“Earlier this year, the Nigeria Coalition on YPS and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development released its one year impact report of the implementation of the NAPYPS and the Youth Peace and Security Agenda as part of the commitment of stakeholders to periodic reviews.
“The report highlighted progress in ensuring effective communication among stakeholders, building on existing structures at both national and state levels, peer exchange, knowledge sharing, advocacy, capacity development, state frameworks on YPS, and the onset of specific government budgets for YPS.
“The impact report also pointed out that inadequate funding, bureaucracy, limited capacity on YPS among stakeholders, lack of safe spaces for civil society and youth groups are some of the challenges militating against the implementation of the NAPYPS and the YPS Agenda in Nigeria.
“We are hopeful that the implementation of the NAPYPS and the YPS Agenda will open positive and sustainable opportunities for young people, including the spaces to express their talents and contribute to lasting peace and development of our great nation, Nigeria.
“We call on all Nigerian citizens and our international partners to support us in this bold step to giving opportunities to the youth to express their talents and creativities leading to lasting peace and development for our great nation, Nigeria.
The Obidient Movement has strongly condemned the recent remarks by Mr. Felix Morka, the APC National Publicity Secretary, describing his comments as reckless and a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy.
Speaking on Arise TV on January 5, 2025, Mr. Morka asserted that “Peter Obi has crossed the line so many times and he has what’s coming to him, and whatever he gets, he should manage it.” This statement, the movement insists, constitutes a veiled threat to Mr. Obi’s life and safety, as well as an assault on the fundamental principles of democracy.
The coordinator of the Obidient Movement Dr. Yunusa Tanko in a statement on Monday raised critical questions about the legitimacy of such remarks asking rhetorically what line Mr. Obi crossed, and who set these boundaries? What specific actions or statements justify such ominous threats? What exactly is ‘coming to him,’ as implied by the APC spokesman?
Such language, the group contended, reflects authoritarian tendencies and undermines the rule of law, which guarantees freedom of speech and protection from harm.
Explaining further, the statement indicated that Mr. Peter Obi’s commitment to issue-based politics, constructive criticism, and solutions-driven proposals has been a hallmark of his leadership.
“His New Year address, which evaluated Nigeria’s current challenges while offering actionable solutions, was devoid of hate or incitement.
“The APC’s attack on Mr. Obi shows a disturbing trend of silencing opposition voices rather than engaging in meaningful debate,” the statement noted.
The Obidient Movement issued a stern warning to the ruling APC and its agents, declaring that they will be held directly responsible should any harm come to Mr. Obi, his family, or supporters.
“This administration must know that democracy cannot thrive under threats and intimidation,” the statement emphasized.
The Obidient Movement therefore semanded an immediate retraction and apology from Mr. Felix Morka and the APC leadership.
The Movement demanded an investigation by security agencies into the intent and implications of Mr. Morka’s remarks.
It also demanded a commitment by the government to protect democratic values and promote constructive engagement over divisive rhetoric.
The monement vowed that it can not be intimidated, stressing that Nigerians must resist the slide into dictatorship by demanding accountability and justice.
“We urge Nigerians to stand united and protect the gains of democracy. We also call on the international community to take note of this emerging pattern of repression and help safeguard Nigeria’s democratic institutions.”
Finally, the Obidient Movement called on the APC to discipline its spokespersons and adopt a more mature approach to political discourse, focusing on solutions rather than threats.
An activist and public affairs commentator, Malam Salihu Othman Isah, has condemned what he described as the incessant air strikes and other forms of military attacks on defenceless civilians in some parts of the country.
Isah, who is a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said in an interview that it is unprofessional for the Nigerian military to continue unleashing its weapons on people they are trained and paid to protect.
He also criticized the approach being deployed by the authorities—both the government and the Nigerian Armed Forces—to stop the killings, which have become a recurring situation in the country.
He disclosed that it is common knowledge that hapless and harmless Nigerians, going about their normal duties to seek their livelihoods, are sent to their early graves through avoidable military attacks.
According to him, some of these attacks and killings—both by the ground army and the Air Force—cannot be justified, as they are extrajudicial in nature.
“The army of any nation is established primarily to defend the territorial integrity of its people and not to eliminate them.
“The army is supposed to complement other arms of the security apparatus of a nation. It is meant to protect its citizens and not mow them down,” he reiterated.
It will be recalled that a few days ago, a fighter jet said to be carrying out an attack on Lakurawa bandits in Sokoto killed over ten innocent civilians during the operation.
An Air Force fighter jet, on a mission to dislodge the bandits, was reported to have terminated the lives of innocent villagers going about their legitimate businesses.
But in their usual manner, the Federal Government as well as the army authorities have set up commissions of inquiry primarily to ascertain the remote cause of the incident.
Isah expressed disappointment over the trend, saying, “We often travel this same lane anytime there is an occurrence.
“Why would the Chief of Army Staff constitute an inquiry to investigate the remote cause of the attack on defenceless Nigerians instead of acting decisively to tackle the failure of its men and officers?
“Instead, energies should also be directed at solution-seeking, beginning with holding errant officers responsible for such killings accountable.”
He lamented that investigations and inquiries have become too monotonous and counterproductive, surmising that real action is required.
The civil rights activist advocated that the armed forces must follow laid-down rules of engagement, which is a global practice required for any army operation to be successful, especially when carried out in civilian-populated areas.
Isah pointed out that, “Beyond the rules of engagement, every individual army officer must have service rules to guide their operations. And while these are available but flouted, there must be consequences.
“It is not enough to set up inquiries whose reports are kept secret and with no reprimand of violators.”
He further stressed that the trend has always been to condemn military actions against civilians, adding that such condemnations have come in torrents.
Nigerians in both high and low places have been unanimous in their criticisms after the recent attack.
“It’s sad that after this, we usually move on, awaiting the next incident and speculating where and how it will occur. Don’t expect any severe action against any of the officers responsible for this action. And next time, another attack will occur, the real targets will be missed, innocent souls will be terminated, and the vicious circle will continue with no end in sight. For how long will this be?” he noted.
The political scientist also stated that a nation with no disciplined army and no regard for its citizens is bound to fail. This is simply unacceptable.
“Henceforth, those found wanting should be called out, and punishment must be meted out to serve as a deterrent in the future.”
***Elders’ N850,000 Refund Request Sparks Drama
What was meant to be a joyous union turned into high drama in Imo State when a Bayelsa man, Biobelemoye David, fled his engagement ceremony after being subjected to a series of outrageous financial demands by his bride’s family.
The ceremony, which began on a celebratory note, took a dramatic turn as David faced mounting charges, including a N1.5 million bill for food, tents, chairs, and a public address system, in addition to a N100,000 bride price that both families had initially agreed upon.
However, tensions escalated when David was asked to pay an extra N50,000 fine for impregnating his fiancée before the ceremony. The fines didn’t stop there—he was slapped with another N10,000 penalty for mistakenly taking a wrong route to the bride’s homestead and a N15,000 charge to appease elders who had grown impatient with his late arrival.
The breaking point came when David was subjected to a bizarre test. Twelve veiled women were paraded before him, and he was asked to identify his fiancée. When he guessed incorrectly, he was fined N15,000 yet again.
But the final straw was the elders’ demand for an N850,000 refund—allegedly covering the bride’s school fees and upkeep since childhood. Unable to contain his frustration, David excused himself under the guise of using the toilet.
Eyewitnesses later confirmed that David switched off his phone and was spotted boarding a bus back to Bayelsa, leaving the ceremony in chaos and disbelief.
The incident has since sparked widespread debate on social media, with many condemning the excessive demands and calling for an end to exploitative marriage practices.
Meanwhile, efforts to reach David for comments have been unsuccessful as his whereabouts remain unknown.
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