THE ROLE OF YOUTH EMPOWERMENT IN CONFLICTPREVENTION AND PEACEBUILDING IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This paper explores the critical role of youth in peace building in Nigeria, emphasizing the contrast between their potential contributions and prevailing realities. It discusses historical contexts of youth engagement in nationbuilding, the impact of socio-political dynamics on youth participation in peace initiatives, and the challenges faced due to marginalization and political violence. Around the globe, especially in Nigeria, boundary and territorial disputes, genocide, resourcesbase conflicts, youth destabilization, religious and political crises among the youths took overall parts of the country thereby causing havoc and unresting nightmare, poverty, crime anddemonstration that result violently to all citizens of Nigeria which calls for the title of this book “The Role Of Youth in Promoting Peace and Diplomacy in Nigeria” Despite these challenges, the youth in Nigeria have distinguished themselves as agents of peace and conflict resolution. On this part, this article examines youth as ambassadors of peace and diplomats in Nigeria. The paper adopts a systematic approach within a qualitative framework and relies on secondary data from briefs, newspapers, conference papers, government reports, and peer reviewed journal articles. Therefore, let’s parley our experience of the past into our knowledge of our present, for the service of our society and nation at large. Keywords: Role, Youth, Peace and Peaceful Coexistence, Insurgency. he paper concludes by offering strategies for enhancing youth empowerment through policy recommendations, community partnerships, and educational programs. Ultimately, investing in youth empowerment is vital for achieving sustainable peace and development in Nigeria. This paper explores the critical role of youth empowerment in conflict prevention and peacebuilding in Nigeria, a nation characterized by diverse ethnic and religious tensions. Given that youth constitute a significant portion of Nigeria's population, their active involvement is essential for fostering a peaceful society. The study concludes by highlighting the evolving landscape of youth-led peace initiatives amid ongoing conflicts and the need for enhanced engagement in democratic processes