By Ibrahim Tukur

Youth peace advocates in Borno are developing a plan to reduce the engagement of youths in violent protests in the state.
 
The meeting was facilitated by Ambassador Ahmed Shehu, founder of the Peace Ambassador Centre for Humanitarian Aid and Empowerment.
 
Recently, the centre, in partnership with the Borno State Government and the British Council, selected and trained 100 youths on peace advocacy.
 
They were also equipped with leadership skills to mobilise activists, amplify positive voices, and provide mentorship to fellow youths.
 
Speaking about the meeting, Shehu said the meeting aimed to analyse the implications of the recent ‘#Endbadgovernance Protest’ and identify strategies to promote peace among communities.
 
He emphasised the need for youth peace advocates to develop a plan to mitigate youth involvement in violent protests and social vices.
 
The youth peace advocates agreed to conduct a critical analysis of the situation, identify the needs of youths in society, and present their findings to the government at the sub-national level.
 
They aimed to ensure that all groups and marginalised communities have a voice in governance.
 
In an interview, Hassana Mohammed Bunu, a youth peace advocate, stated that they will work to amplify the voices of marginalised communities.
 
Ali Yerima, another peace advocate, emphasised the need to address joblessness and a lack of youth empowerment, which often lead to youth engagement in crises.