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Silencing The Guns: Minister Ayodele Olawande Urges Youth-Led Peace Initiatives
By Oyewumi Adeniyi
Comrade Ayodele Olawande, the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, has been making waves in the youth development sector with his proactive approach and commitment to empowering young people. Recently, he participated in two significant events that underscore the Ministry’s dedication to advancing global youth partnerships and promoting peacebuilding initiatives.
The Minister met with H.E. Saad Fahad Almarri, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Nigeria, to discuss strengthening youth collaboration and exploring opportunities for partnership between the two nations.
Comrade Olawande expressed optimism that such collaboration would open new doors for innovation, cultural exchange, and empowerment, further deepening Nigeria-Saudi relations.
Later, the Minister joined the opening ceremony of the Youth Creative Conference 2025, convened by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development in partnership with the African Union (AU). The conference, themed “Silencing the Guns: Pathways for Peacebuilding in Africa,” brought together young visionaries, policymakers, and international partners to harness creativity and innovation for peace and stability across Africa.
In his welcome address, Comrade Olawande emphasized that Africa’s greatest resource is its youth, whose courage, creativity, and leadership are critical in silencing conflict and driving societal transformation. He urged a shift in narrative, from viewing youth as perpetrators of violence to recognizing them as architects of peace and innovation.
The youth are the backbone of any nation, and Nigeria is no exception. With their energy, creativity, and innovative spirit, young people have the potential to drive positive change and propel the country towards sustainable development.
As leaders of tomorrow, they possess the power to shape the future of Nigeria and redirect its political trajectory for the better. Harnessing their potential will unlock new opportunities for growth, prosperity, and peace.
If harnessed effectively, the youth can play a pivotal role in reshaping Nigeria’s political landscape. With their fresh perspectives and innovative ideas, they can bring about transformative change and promote good governance. Engaging in the political process, young people will influence policy decisions, hold leaders accountable, and advocate for the issues that matter most to them.
As Comrade Olawande noted, Nigerian and African youth are not just leaders of tomorrow but the “doers of today.” It is time for them to take ownership of their future and shape the destiny of their nation.
To unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s youth, it is essential to provide them with the necessary tools, skills, and opportunities. This includes access to quality education, vocational training, and mentorship programs that can equip them with the skills needed to succeed.
Creating an enabling environment that fosters innovation, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement can help young people thrive and make meaningful contributions to society. Investing in the youth, Nigeria will build a brighter future for itself and ensure that its young people are equipped to drive positive change.
As the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande is championing efforts to empowering young people and promoting peace-building initiatives. However, it is essential for the youth themselves to take ownership of their future to demand and key into the numerous pro-youth programs of the Ministry of youths for positive change. By working together, young people can redirect Nigeria’s political trajectory and create a more prosperous, peaceful, and equitable society for all. The time for action is now, and the youth are ready to lead the way.
