2019: Group trains youth leaders nationwide

As the 2019 general begins to gather momentum, a group, Higher Education Leadership and Policy Project (H.E.L.P), has commenced preparations to host a national capacity building training for all youth leaders across the country.
This training, according to its Convener/Chairman, Planning Committee and CEO/Lead Advocate, Ayodele Thomas, “is aim at building bridges of understanding among the youth groups and address youth-related challenges plaguing the nation, including ethnic suspicion, hate speeches, unwarranted threats and total disregard for dialogue; dwindling moral values, violence, mutual distrust and other social vices that threaten peace and harmony in the country.” He said the three-day Intensive training/learning and dialogue is strategically scheduled for August 8-12, 2018 to commemorate the international Youth Day.
Ayo also said for the nation to focus on and effectively pursue its new socio-economic developmental agenda as encapsulated in the National Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (NERGP) for the development of the entire Nation under a fair and just process, it has become imperative for all stakeholders in the Nigeria Project and the Youth in particular to continue “Consultations and Dialogue to sustain the Unity and peaceful coexistence among the various tribes and ethnic groups and among all the stakeholders until a common solution that will unite and strengthen the Nation is achieved.
He said: “As we gradually move close to 2019 general elections, getting the commitment and understanding of the key youth sector leader has become very imperative.
This is with a view to ending various strains of tension and to embark on peaceful dialogue and constructive engagement on issues of national unity and stability and the general wellbeing of Nigeria youth.
“As a result of this, creating an enabling and functional environment for constructive engagement of various leadership representing Youth groups has accordingly become very imperative.
“The capacity building training for youth leaders and youth elders will, therefore, create an enabling and functional environment for all the participants to refresh, relax and learn from the practical views and opinions that will be expressed by different professionals, key actors in the field of peace-building, conflict management, national security and other notable stakeholders.” According to him, the training will also raise awareness on how youth leaders participation, partnership and engagements can prevent conflicts and foster sustainable peace and development.
“It is also intended to engage and strengthen local and National networks of Young People’s focus on addressing issues bordering on peaceful coexistence and to provide an opportunity to share experiences, challenges and best practices and do all it takes to guarantee socio-political harmony among all the ethnic nationalities in the nation.”