Since adoption of the Security Council Resolution 2250 - a global policy framework which identified and recognised the several works implemented by youths across the globe in achieving sustainable peace and development - the UN has, once again, backed and emphasised the important role of young people in preventing violence and promoting peace, by dedicating 2017 International Youth Day to ‘Youth building peace.’

As youths gathered all over the world to commemorate this day, reflecting on issues affecting them, it is also an opportunity to showcase the various efforts of youths in promoting peace. As I join other youths in commemorating the day, I want to quickly tell my story; so as to inspire those who are yet to take a step for peace and encourage those already working for peace in their various locations.

Sometimes in 2011, my heart and that of well-wishers was filled with joy, after I fulfilled the requirement for a bachelors degree in Social Studies Education, at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, South-west, Nigeria. I became qualified to participate in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme. This joy, however, was breached when the list for posting was released. Lo and behold, I was posted to Borno State, Nigeria for the one-year national service.

Borno State, a state located in the North-eastern part of Nigeria, is traditionally, one of the most peaceful states to live in, and the pride of northern Nigeria. Within a short time, it had become a dreaded place, due to the activities of Boko Haram terrorist group, resulting in the loss of thousands of lives and property. For the fear of being killed coupled with a dim understanding of the need to make sacrifices for my fatherland, I rejected the posting.

However, relief came my way when I heard that all prospective corps members posted to Borno State should report immediately to Benue State, a relatively peaceful location in the North-central part of Nigeria for the three weeks NYSC camping. I quickly packed my bags and resumed in Wannune, Benue State. During this period, I was very sure of my plan. I didn’t hesitate to apply for redeployment back to the south, when the opportunity presented itself. For me and my family, the north was a no-go area, due to insecurity.

As the three-week camping came to an end in Benue, and having succeeded in securing redeployment from the north back to South-west, several questions dropped on my mind. First, what if I couldn’t secure the redeployment? What if I didn’t have a choice than to serve in Borno State or anywhere in North-east? What if I had relatives in those places affected by the insurgency, would I run away, would I fold my arms and allow forces of darkness dominate light? I searched for answers. But, I didn’t find. Eventually, I recollected a popular quote during our days in the students’ union at Obafemi Awolowo University, by Martin Niemoller. ‘First, they came for Socialists, and I didn’t speak out because I was not a Socialist. They came for the Trade Unionist; I didn’t speak because I was not a Trade Unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I didn’t speak out because I was not a Jew. When they came for me, there was no one left to speak for me.’’ Something struck me afterwards. I made up my mind to do something to assist those people who didn’t have a choice, those whose ancestral homes were faced with destruction and whose future is being endangered.

The first step was to acquire knowledge and skill on my new assignment. I enrolled for a master’s degree in Peace and Conflict Studies, at the University of Ibadan, Ibadan, where I started learning the rudiments of conflict management and peace-building. I remembered Prof Olawale Albert teaching us Conflict Analysis at Lady Bank-Anthony Hall, and how Dr Willie Eselebor-led Society for Peace Studies and Practice (SPSP) organised a special training for young peace-builders in Ada, Osun State. As if it was not enough, I committed time to volunteering at the Centre for Disaster Risk and Crisis Reduction; a non-governmental organisation working on disaster management and peace-building in Ibadan, South-west Nigeria. After 24 months of training, I became a professional peace-builder. I was prepared for the task ahead.

With the support of friends, I founded Nigeria Youth 4 Peace Initiative, a growing network of young people, who are interested in volunteering for peace in our communities. Our focus was solely to provide a platform and inspire young people to contribute their quota to conflict prevention, prevention of violent extremism and peace-building in our local communities. We launched our initiative with the ‘Peace Begins with Me’ project in 2016. We began to visit schools to teach students about conflict management, raising awareness among the youth on promoting peace.

In November 2016, destiny took me back to Maiduguri, the heartbeat of the Boko Haram terrorism in Nigeria. Thanks to Search for Common Ground,I had the privilege of participating at a Regional Youth Summit on Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) at the capital city, where I learnt the roles of young people in countering violent ideologies and building peace. This time around, the inertia was gone. I am a new creation.

Since then, I made up my mind never to look back, never to fold my arms in the midst of injustice and unexplainable devastation. For me, of what value is life, if there is no peace and harmony. Till today, I am involved in several activities aimed at changing the perception of people in my communities from violence, encouraging them to exhibit tolerance, forgiveness and love for one another.

As we join the United Nations in commemorating 2017 International Youth Day, under the theme Youth Building Peace, I encourage other young people to overcome fear and take concrete steps towards ensuring peace in our society. A day of commemoration is what we are getting now, but I am sure history will credit those who built blocks for peace in the world.

•Adeniran is National Coordinator, Nigeria Youth 4 Peace Initiative Ibadan, Nigeria. He can be reached via 08036473893.

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