As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), the United Nations and the British High Commission have called on young Nigerians to take a frontline role in preventing political violence, hate speech and misinformation.
The appeal came during a youth peacebuilding training programme organised by the IPCR under the Renewed Hope Agenda for Young Peacebuilders. Participants included National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, SIWES students, interns and volunteers.
IPCR Director-General Dr Joseph Ochogwu opened the event by describing the training as an investment in young people who will shape the country’s future. He stressed that peacebuilding is not solely a government duty but a responsibility shared by every citizen.
“Peace is the ability of people with different opinions to disagree without becoming enemies,” Ochogwu said. He warned that social media has become a major channel for misinformation, disinformation and hate speech that can turn political disagreements into personal or communal crises.
Ochogwu urged participants to verify information before sharing it and to use their digital platforms to promote tolerance and unity rather than hostility. “When you hear a rumour capable of provoking violence, do not become part of its distribution. Verify,” he told the gathering.
UN Peace and Development Adviser Grace Kpohazounde reinforced the call, warning that young people are often manipulated into actions that undermine peace during election periods. She encouraged them to confront early signs of conflict injustice, exclusion or hate speech both online and offline.
“Whether it is physically, online, wherever, make it your task to address it,” Kpohazounde said. She added that peacebuilding requires long-term commitment rather than pursuit of quick gains, drawing on her own career path that began with an unpaid internship.
Dr David Rinnert, Senior Conflict Adviser at the British High Commission, focused on leadership. He cautioned against rushing into solutions without first understanding the problem deeply. Effective peacebuilding, he said, rests on three principles, understand thoroughly, communicate a clear vision, and deliver consistently.
Rinnert noted that complex conflicts rarely have single solutions. Drawing from his experience in Central Asia, he said coordination among existing initiatives often proves more effective than launching isolated new projects.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, represented by Ambassador Muyiwa Ayetoro, emphasised that sustainable development is impossible without peace. Communities living in fear cannot attract investment, deliver education or provide healthcare, speakers noted.
Ochogwu called on NYSC members to use their postings to break stereotypes and build understanding across ethnic and regional lines. Peacebuilders, he said, are needed in schools, businesses, communities, government institutions and online spaces.
The programme underscored a central message: peace is not only restored after violence erupts. It is built daily when citizens refuse to spread dangerous rumours, challenge hate speech, choose dialogue over retaliation and refuse to let political differences destroy social bonds.
With political activity intensifying ahead of 2027, organisers said the training aims to equip young Nigerians to act as early-warning agents, responsible digital citizens and advocates for inclusion.
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