Youths from the northern and southern parts of Nigeria on Saturday converged in Kaduna, where they signed a peace accord aimed at strengthening national unity and forging a common front to enhance their relevance in the country’s political and economic development.
The meeting, held at the historic Arewa House in Kaduna, was organised by the National Youth Alliance and brought together youth representatives from the South-East, South-South and South-West, alongside their counterparts from the North.
Speaking at the event, organisers said the initiative was designed to bridge longstanding divides among young people across the country and foster mutual understanding, dialogue and cooperation in the pursuit of a united and prosperous Nigeria. They stressed that youths, who constitute a significant proportion of the nation’s population, must work together to play a more active and constructive role in national affairs.
In the peace accord, the participants pledged to promote peaceful coexistence, reject violence, hate speech and ethnic or religious intolerance, and support initiatives that advance national cohesion. They also committed themselves to collaboration in political engagement, economic empowerment and advocacy for policies that address youth unemployment, education and inclusive governance.
Representatives from the various geopolitical zones emphasised that unity among youths was critical to overcoming the challenges confronting the country, including insecurity, economic hardship and social dislocation. They noted that division along regional or ethnic lines had often weakened the collective voice of young Nigerians, limiting their influence in decision-making processes.
The youths further resolved to establish platforms for continuous engagement and exchange of ideas, while also agreeing to mobilise their peers at the grassroots to embrace peace and national unity. They called on leaders at all levels to support youth-led initiatives and create an enabling environment for young people to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s development.
The organizers described the signing of the peace accord as a significant step towards building trust and solidarity among Nigerian youths, expressing optimism that sustained dialogue and cooperation would translate into greater youth participation in the political and economic life of the country.
