by Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
In an effort to prevent violent extremism (PVE) and promote lasting peace, the Kaduna State Government has pledged support for any initiative that empowers youths through sports and other development-driven activities.
Commissioner for Youth Development, Barrister Gloria Ibrahim, made this known at the official launch of the Grassroots Connected for Sport-GCS Project workshop organized by the Nonviolent Network of Africa Peace Builders (NNAPB) in Kaduna recently.
She explained that the initiative is focused on using sports as a tool for advocacy against violent extremism and for peace-building across Kaduna State.
Speaking on the importance of peace in nation-building, Barrister Gloria emphasized that sports have the capacity to unite individuals, regardless of tribe or religion, all in pursuit of a common goal for the socio-economic growth and development of the state.
“Peace is personal; it’s an action word. For peace to happen, everyone must be involved. Sports bring people together. When you’re playing, no one asks your tribe or religion – all that matters is winning. This is how unity and peace are built,” she said.
She commended the organizers of the training workshop, noting that the theme was carefully chosen to address the state’s pressing need for peaceful coexistence and unity among its diverse groups.
According to her, the State Government has provided a platform for youths to thrive, and urged them to leverage the opportunity by using their talents, skills, and innovation to effect positive change in their communities.
Also speaking at the event, Director at the Ministry for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mrs. Grace Sandra Ayuba, described the program as timely and commendable capable of repositioning the state’s peace landscape.
Representing the Partnership Against Violent Extremism – PAVE Network, and the Knowledge, Innovation and Resource Hub (KIRH), Mrs. Ayuba also pledged support for the initiative. “We are giving our full backing to this initiative because it is laudable and commendable.
“We will work closely with the Commissioner for Youth Development to ensure this project becomes a success in Kaduna State. Thank you for inviting us to be part of this important event,” she said.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Executive Director of NNAPB and GCS Project Coordinator, Mr. Chukwudi Clement Iweh, explained that the three-day workshop was designed to educate participants on how the values embedded in sports can help prevent violent extremism among youths.
Mr. Iweh noted that the initiative aimed to address psychosocial behaviors and social exclusion that often lead to antisocial tendencies among young people.
He added that the program’s key objectives are to promote social inclusion, youth leadership, and participation in peace-building, aimed at building resilient communities against violence.
According to him, twenty youth participants, aged 15 to 30, were selected from ten communities across Chikun, Kaduna North, and Kaduna South Local Government Areas, revealing that, “Selected communities included Sabon Tasha, Rido, Kakuri Makera, Kudendan, and Doka, among others.”
Participants such as Wisdom Omale, Hafsat Yusuf, and Eric John the Kaduna State Coordinator Partnership Against Violent Extremism – PAVE Network, expressed appreciation for the program and affirmed their commitment to applying the knowledge gained for the betterment of their communities.
The training, powered by Peace Direct, covered various modules, including, storytelling for Preventing Violent Extremism (PVE), Human Rights Education, Conflict Resolution and Peace-building as well as Sports for PVE, Advocacy for Peace, Gender Inclusion, Youth, Peace and Security, and Action Plans Development.