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.
Human rights activist and lawyer Deji Adeyanju has issued a scathing response to comments made against him by Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) minister and former Rivers State governor. Wike had recently accused Adeyanju of being jobless, noting that the activist once sought his support in a bid to become the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national publicity secretary.
During a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, Adeyanju didn’t hold back, describing Wike as “a bully and a coward.”
He went on to criticize Wike’s character and political approach, saying, “Wike has never worked anywhere in his life. He is a serial betrayer. The only difference between Wike and Portable is that Portable does not betray people who have helped him.”
Adeyanju praised Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara for his recent actions against Wike, saying, “I commend Governor Fubara for dealing decisively with him. That’s how to deal with tyrants. Wike is nothing without politics.”
He further expressed his concerns over Wike’s influence, stating, “The reason why he is making so much noise and constituting a nuisance all over the place is because of our political patrimony that he loots. Clowns and charlatans like Nyesom Wike will open their mouths and criticize true activists.”
Adeyanju also highlighted the importance of citizens participating in politics, saying, “Wike wants everyone to leave politics to rogues like him. His idea of nation-building is where people like him control everything. All citizens of conscience should get involved in politics.”
The back-and-forth between Adeyanju and Wike highlights ongoing tensions within Nigerian political circles and has sparked discussions about the role of activists and the nature of leadership in the country.
***Emotional Farewell as Nigeria Mourns a Dedicated Military Leader
Amid deep sorrow and heartfelt tributes, the late Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, was laid to rest on Friday at the National Cemetery in Abuja.
His burial concluded two days of solemn funeral rites that began in Lagos, marking the end of an impactful military career.
The casket bearing Lagbaja, draped in Nigeria’s green and white, arrived at the cemetery around 3 pm following a funeral service at the National Christian Centre in Abuja.
His body was lowered into the earth at 4:41 pm after a ceremony lasting over two hours.
The event was attended by numerous dignitaries, including President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Acting Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, Defence Minister Abubakar Badaru, and other high-ranking officials.
President Tinubu, paying tribute, called Lagbaja’s appointment one of his most significant decisions and announced a posthumous national honor of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) for the late COAS. He urged the military not to lose hope: “Please, do not let death defeat us, and as Commander-in-Chief, I renew my pledge that the country will always support you and your families.”
General Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, echoed this sentiment, calling Lagbaja’s passing a call to strengthen the military’s resolve.
“Let us ensure his sacrifice continues to guide us as we defend this nation. We are resolved to defeat all enemies of the state, whether within or outside,” he stated.
Acting COAS Oluyede expressed personal gratitude for Lagbaja’s mentorship, sharing that he had nominated him for a national honor even while facing illness.
Lagbaja’s funeral rites began with a service of songs at the Army Headquarters Garrison Parade Ground, Mogadishu Cantonment, on Thursday, following the arrival of his body at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport from Lagos.
Lt. General Lagbaja, born on February 28, 1968, served as Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff for over a year, having been appointed by President Tinubu in June 2023. He passed away on November 5 after a brief illness, leaving a legacy of dedication and patriotism.
A civil society group, Good Governance Alliance – Nigeria (GGA-N), has condemned the Lagos State government following an alleged invasion of former Transportation Minister Admiral Festus Porbeni’s Lekki property by state officials on Friday morning.
They called for immediate action against alleged breach of court order on Admiral Festus Porbeni’s property.
According to the group, the invasion is in direct violation of a Federal High Court order and sets a dangerous precedent for lawlessness.
In a statement issued by GGA-N representative Nathaniel Obasi, the group reported that officials from the Lagos State Special Task Force forcefully entered Admiral Porbeni’s property at Wole Olateju Crescent around 7:30 am, accompanied by heavily-armed mobile policemen.
Obasi noted that the task force allegedly beat, arrested, and detained several individuals on the premises, placing them in a police vehicle known as ‘Black Maria.’
The statement emphasized that this raid contradicts a Federal High Court injunction prohibiting any disruption at the property and disregards a recent Supreme Court ruling granting federal control over inland waterways and adjacent lands within 100 meters.
Despite Porbeni’s possession of a Federal Certificate of Occupancy, the Lagos State Task Force allegedly threatened to bulldoze structures on the property, sparking concerns over escalating conflicts between state and federal jurisdiction.
GGA-N therefore urged the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the Inspector-General of Police, Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and federal agencies overseeing waterways to intervene, asserting that the Lagos State government’s actions could lead to “lawlessness and chaos.”
According to him, the disputed property was previously invaded in 2021.
Obasi claimed that at about 7:30am this Friday, officials from the Lagos State Special Task Force, illegally forced their way into Admiral Porbeni’s property at Wole Olateju Crescent, Lekki, despite the Federal High Court order, which barred any agent from entering the premises or harassing any person at the premises.
It added the Lagos State Special Task Force accompanied by heavily-armed mobile policemen, beat up, arrested and threw staff and other people met on the property into a police vehicle called ‘Black Maria’, which they brought “for the illegal raid”.
“The officials who cordoned off the area are now threatening to bulldoze all structures on the property, in brazen breach of the Federal High Court order (FHC/L/CS/1384/21).
“The actions of the Task Force is also in disregard of the landmark ruling of the Supreme Court in January which affirmed the federal government’s exclusive control of the country’s inland waterways and all lands within 100 meters of all declared federal waterways in Nigeria.
“The question is despite Admiral Porbeni being in possession of a Federal Certificate of Occupancy (CofO), how is the Lagos State Government allowed to flout not only an injunction from the Federal High Court but also a ruling from the Supreme Court?
“The Lagos state government’s brazen disobedience of court orders is a recipe for lawlessness and chaos. We draw the urgent attention of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Inspector General of Police, the Governor of Lagos State and relevant federal government agencies in charge of federal waterways in the country to the illegal raid and occupation by the Lagos State Special Task Force,” Obasi stated
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