GPD Calls for Action on Social Exclusion, Economic Disenfranchisement on International Youth Day
By: Austine Agbo Emmanuel, Kaduna
http://www.newsportng.com.ng NGO, Global Peace Development has called for urgent action to address the pressing issues of social exclusion and economic disenfranchisement, which are driving conflict and violence in Northern Nigeria.
The Executive Director, GPD Mr. Ebruke Esike made the call at the Kaduna state Youths Summit on violent extremism, held in Kaduna on Thursday to commemorate the 2024 International Youth Day, tagged ”From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development.”
Youths, as catalyst for sustainable growth and development, according to Esike are not just victims of circumstance, but agents of change, and as such must be empowered so they can be able to resist extremist narratives and foster a culture of peace and tolerance in the society.
The Executive Director reiterated that the GPD and ActionAid Nigeria, through the
System and Structure Strengthening Approach against Radicalization to Violent Extremism, (SARVE III) project with funding from Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF) is committed to champion youth inclusion through different empowerment programs for self reliance.
Esike said, “the challenges we face; ranging from social exclusion to economic disenfranchisement are not just issues that affect us, they are calling for action. The youth, who make up a significant portion of our population, are not merely passive observers in this landscape; you are the architects of change, the innovators, and the leaders of tomorrow.
“The Global Peace Development, through the System and Structure Strengthening Approach against Radicalization to Violent Extremism (SARVE III) Project, is dedicated to building Community resilience against violent extremism. This initiative is designed to empower you: Our at-risk youths and young women by providing you with the tools and knowledge necessary to resist extremist narratives and to foster a culture of peace and tolerance within our Communities.
“Today’s summit is not just an event; it is a platform for you to express your ideas, showcase your talents, and engage in meaningful discussions that highlight the importance of youth
inclusion in governance and decision-making.”
Earlier in his remarks, the Country Director, ActionAid Nigeria, Mr. Andrew Mamedu said that the theme for 2024 International Youth Day: From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development, is apt considering how digitalization is reshaping the society, providing unparalleled opportunities to fast-track sustainable development and digital technologies.
Represented by the Project Coordinator for SARVE III, Mr Aliyu Adamu, Mamedu noted that digitalization plays crucial role in youth empowerment, conflict mitigation, preventing and countering violent extremism and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), precisely the SDG 16 which seeks to address Peace, Justice and strong institution.
He avered that digitalization is transforming the world, offering unprecedented opportunities to accelerate sustainable development, adding that digital technologies such as mobile devices, services, and artificial intelligence are instrumental in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Data generated from digital interactions supports evidence-based decision-making. With profound impact across economic, social and environmental dimensions.
“Today, young people are leading the charge in digital adoption and innovation, with three-quarters of those aged 15 to 24 using the internet in 2022 a higher rate than other age groups. However, disparities persist, particularly in low-income countries (like our country Nigeria) and among young women, who often have less access to the internet and digital skills compared to their male counterparts.
“While there is an urgent need to enhance digital inclusion, youth are largely recognized as “digital natives,” using technology to drive change and create solutions. As the 2030 deadline for the SDGs approaches, the role of young people in digital innovation is essential for addressing global issues.” The Country Director, added
Highlights of the event was a cultural dance and award presentation to winners of Kaduna and Kano, (KAKA) video contest, an initiative aimed to promote youth engagement, creativity, and social change in the country.
Kaduna communities, under the ActionAid cooperatives, that submitted videos for the contest, are Turunku, Wusasa, Anguwan Masara, Nariya and Damishi Youth Farmers’ Cooperative Society Limited.
Turunku Youths Farmer’s Cooperative Society Limited emerged winner of the KAKA Video contest, 1.0 with a total of 43 marks to beat Damishi Youth Cooperative Society limited with 22 marks.
Nariya Youth Cooperative Society Limited had 20 marks at 3rd position, while Wusasa Youth Agricultural Cooperative Limited and Anguwan Masara Achivers Youth Cooperative Society Limited came 4th and 5th, respectively with 19 and 15 marks.
GPD Calls for Action on Social Exclusion, Economic Disenfranchisement on International Youth Day
