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Mind Reformers Network, with support from the Kofi Annan Foundation, hosted the Project Peace Champions Workshop at Gusau Institute in Kaduna, bringing together over 50 participants from youth groups, community-based organisations, and civil society networks for a one-day capacity-building event.
The workshop focused on strengthening youth participation in peacebuilding, dialogue, and community engagement, equipping young people with practical tools to promote peaceful coexistence, challenge bias, and lead sustainable advocacy efforts within their communities.
Addressing Bias and Conflict Sensitivity, Executive Director of Mind Reformers Network and workshop convener, Victor Okechukwu Chimezie, explained how personal and societal biases often fuel conflicts and urged participants to promote love, fairness, and inclusive decision-making. He said, “This workshop is supported under the Kofi Annan Changemakers Initiative to strengthen grassroots peacebuilding and youth leadership globally.”
Facilitating a session on Leadership Development and Peacebuilding, Mahfuz Alabidun encouraged participants to view leadership as service, stressing that young people must lead with integrity and accountability to positively influence their communities.
In sessions on Responsible Activism and Community Engagement for Peacebuilding, Mr. Jerry emphasised issue-based and constructive youth engagement, while Munirat Badamasi, Executive Director of Speak for Life, shared grassroots strategies for mobilizing communities and sustaining peace initiatives beyond one-off interventions.
Fatima Muftahu, an M&E specialist, led discussions on Storytelling and Digital Media for Peacebuilding, demonstrating how young people can use digital storytelling to document impact, monitor progress, and promote positive narratives that support community peace efforts.
Guest speaker Pastor Abarshi, a respected peacebuilding practitioner who has worked with the Kaduna State Peace Commission, shared practical conflict resolution insights and urged young people to rise above political and social divisions. Dr. Mariam Abdu also highlighted the importance of women and youth inclusion in peace processes and called for stronger support for women-led and youth-led initiatives.
Representing the Kaduna State Ministry of Youth, Mr. Denis commended the organizers and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to youth development, noting its openness to collaboration with youth-focused organisations.
Project Lead Ismail Gwarzo further explained the vision behind the workshop, emphasizing community-centered approaches and youth inclusion as essential to achieving sustainable peace.
The workshop concluded with group discussions and action-planning sessions, during which participants developed practical ideas and commitments to implement peacebuilding and advocacy initiatives within their respective communities.
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