Breath With Green Youth Development Initiative (BGYDI), a non-profit organization dedicated to youth development and environmental sustainability, has trained 100 young individuals in conflict resolution and peacebuilding.
This initiative aims to address the lack of youth participation in peacebuilding efforts within their communities.
The three-day training program, funded by Leap Africa and the Nigerian Youth Fund, was held at the University of Maiduguri’s Elkanemi Hall, on Friday.
Participants were carefully selected from across Borno State to ensure a diverse and representative group.
The training was part of BGYDI’s project titled “Empowering Youth for Sustainable Peace and Security in the Conflict-Stricken Community.”
The project’s primary goal is to empower young people, enabling them to take a more active role in fostering peace and stability within their communities.
Muktar Ahmed Bulakarima, the founder and Executive Director of BGYDI, emphasized the critical role of youths in conflict resolution and peacebuilding.
He stated, “Youths, as changemakers, possess valuable assets for addressing conflict due to their energy, creativity, and willingness to challenge the status quo.
Their ability to think outside traditional frameworks makes them flexible in approaching problems with fresh perspectives and innovative solutions, contributing significantly to conflict resolution.”
Throughout the training, participants were equipped with essential peacebuilding skills, conflict resolution techniques, and effective communication strategies.
These tools are designed to foster their active participation in peace-building initiatives across the state.
One of the participants, Ahmed Isa Tada, who is also the CEO of the Light Open Light Foundation, expressed his gratitude for the initiative.
He emphasized the importance of youth taking responsibility for their communities and encouraged his peers to make a positive impact.
“This youth-organized workshop serves as a call to action for other young people to take initiative and make a positive impact. We must work hard to improve our society,” Tada said.
He also highlighted how the knowledge gained from the workshop would benefit his organization’s ongoing efforts, which include monthly awareness programs on health issues, corruption, and kidney disease.
Another participant, Halima Kyari Manman, shared her appreciation for the valuable training on conflict resolution. “I’m grateful to learn about conflict causes and solutions,” she said.
The workshop concluded with a ceremony where participants received certificates of completion, followed by a group photo to commemorate the successful event.
