Bayelsa Commemorates International Youth Day with Inauguration of 25 Youth Peace Champions
Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2025 8:53 am
In commemoration of the 2025 International Youth Day themed “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond”, the Bayelsa State Government, through the Ministry of Youth Development, in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, inaugurated 25 Youth Peace Champions drawn from various communities across the state.
The Honourable Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr. Alfred Kemepado Nimizigha , in his remarks, emphasized that the initiative represents more than a ceremonial launch, it is rooted in a clear philosophy and set of objectives that should be integrated into broader youth development strategies. He further stressed that the state government considers it a responsibility to encourage and scale up any initiative with proven value, after careful study, in order to maximise its benefits.
The Commissioner stressed that sustainable peace begins with shaping the right mindset and creating environments that actively engage young people in meaningful activities, thereby preventing avoidable crises. He explained that the selected Youth Peace Champions (YPCs) will undergo targeted training in peacebuilding, drug abuse prevention, crime reduction,digital marketing and other relevant skills . They will also be mentored by seasoned professionals to ensure their effective contribution to building peace efforts across the state.
The UNODC Country Representative, Mr. Cheikh Toure, in his opening remark, stated that the success of the Sustainable Development Goals depends on their adoption and implementation within local communities, where young people drive change by turning ambitions into actions. He explained that the Youth Peace Champions will not only gain technical skills but also access to platforms and networks that amplify their voices and enable them to propose community driven solutions.
Mr Toure described the initiative as a strategic investment in leaders who are both equipped and committed to promote environmental justice, economic dignity, and social cohesion.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1418911 ... 7S9Ucbxw6v
The Honourable Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr. Alfred Kemepado Nimizigha , in his remarks, emphasized that the initiative represents more than a ceremonial launch, it is rooted in a clear philosophy and set of objectives that should be integrated into broader youth development strategies. He further stressed that the state government considers it a responsibility to encourage and scale up any initiative with proven value, after careful study, in order to maximise its benefits.
The Commissioner stressed that sustainable peace begins with shaping the right mindset and creating environments that actively engage young people in meaningful activities, thereby preventing avoidable crises. He explained that the selected Youth Peace Champions (YPCs) will undergo targeted training in peacebuilding, drug abuse prevention, crime reduction,digital marketing and other relevant skills . They will also be mentored by seasoned professionals to ensure their effective contribution to building peace efforts across the state.
The UNODC Country Representative, Mr. Cheikh Toure, in his opening remark, stated that the success of the Sustainable Development Goals depends on their adoption and implementation within local communities, where young people drive change by turning ambitions into actions. He explained that the Youth Peace Champions will not only gain technical skills but also access to platforms and networks that amplify their voices and enable them to propose community driven solutions.
Mr Toure described the initiative as a strategic investment in leaders who are both equipped and committed to promote environmental justice, economic dignity, and social cohesion.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1418911 ... 7S9Ucbxw6v