A peace building expert , Mr Rafiu Lawal, says Nigerian youths and women remain the strongest assets for building a peaceful and prosperous nation if given the right support and opportunities.
Lawal, who is the Executive Director of Building Blocks for Peace Foundation (BBFORPEACE), said this in an exclusive interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Wednesday in Abuja.
He said that young people should not be viewed as perpetrators of violence but as victims of systemic failures and key drivers of innovation, creativity and national development.
“I do not agree that young people are perpetrators of violence.
“I am more comfortable saying they are victims of violence and irresponsibility in society, ” he said.
According to him, young people are energetic, creative and innovative, and that empowered, they become active leaders of peace and development.
Lawal said challenges such as unemployment, prolonged school closures and lack of opportunities had continued to frustrate many youths, pushing some into crime out of desperation rather than intent.
He emphasised the critical role of women in peace-building, saying that the Nigerian government was not fully utilising their potentials in governance and conflict resolution processes.
“We are not giving women the space they need in decision-making and peace processes, and that is the truth.
“Women hold communities together during crises, yet their representation remains very low,” Lawal said.
He called for deliberate policies, including training, leadership development and inclusive governance structures that would allow women and youths to contribute meaningfully to national stability.
According to him, countries that prioritise inclusion of women and young people tend to record stronger peace outcomes.
“If we invest in our youths and women, Nigeria will be stronger, more stable and more innovative,” he said.
