By Palma Ileye
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has charged Nigerian youths to take active roles in building stronger communities, promoting peaceful coexistence and investing in peace.
The FCT Commandant, Dr. Olusola Odumosu, gave the charge at a Youth Peace and Security Summit organised by the Command’s Peace and Conflict Resolution Unit, with support from Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRING), at Baze University, Abuja.
The summit was organised to commemorate the International Day of Peace, with the theme, “Invest in Peace, for Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day.”
Odumosu, who was represented by the Head of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, Deputy Commandant of Corps Adegoke Adejumo, said the theme addressed some of the major challenges confronting society, including insecurity, misinformation, extremism, violence and social divisions.
He noted that despite increasing global connectivity through technology and globalisation, these challenges continued to threaten social cohesion and sustainable development.
The Commandant highlighted the NSCDC’s mandate to include the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure, lives and property, intelligence gathering, crisis management, community security engagement, peacebuilding and conflict resolution.
He said the FCT Command had continued to strengthen its people-oriented security approach through initiatives aimed at promoting community resilience and peaceful coexistence.
According to him, young people remain among Nigeria’s greatest assets and should not be seen merely as beneficiaries of security but as active stakeholders in building peaceful communities.
“The focus of the summit on leadership, conflict resolution, counter-extremism, community engagement and collective peacebuilding reflects the important role that young people must play in creating a more secure and prosperous future,” he said.
In his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor of Baze University, Prof. Abiodun Adeniyi, said achieving peace in society begins with individuals being at peace with themselves.
Adeniyi, a Professor of Communication and Media Epistemology, described peace as a value and virtue that should not be compromised.
He urged the students to serve as good ambassadors of peace and represent the university positively wherever they find themselves.
The summit featured paper presentations, drama, poetry and musical performances centred on peace and unity.
Students from various faculties of the university attended the event, which also featured the presentation of medals to outstanding students.
