Publication Alert!!!
Every year, on 21 September, the world pauses to mark the International Day of Peace. Established in 1981 by the United Nations, this day serves as a reminder that peace is not merely the absence of war but the presence of justice, inclusion, and collective responsibility. It calls on all of us, individuals, communities, and nations, to commit to building a culture of peace in our daily lives.
This year’s theme, “Act Now for a Peaceful World,” is a timely and urgent call to action. It reminds us that peace cannot be postponed to the future. Instead, it must be woven into our present actions, choices, and policies. For young people in particular who make up the majority of our societies, the message is clear: your voices, leadership, and innovations are not optional in peacebuilding; they are essential.
It is in the spirit of this year’s International Day of Peace that I am delighted to share my latest publication: “From Victims to Actors: Analysing Young People’s Participation in Nigeria’s Peace and Security,” published by Palgrave Macmillan in the volume Youth Leading Change: Emerging Sites of Knowledge in Peace and Conflict, edited by Katrina Leclerc, Erika Isabel Bulan Yague, and Helen Berents. You can explore the book and my chapter here: https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-95862-5
In my chapter, I challenge the narrow framing of youth as either victims of violence or perpetrators of unrest. Drawing on the work of the Building Blocks for Peace Foundation (BBFORPEACE), I highlight the creative and impactful ways young people are shaping peace processes and redefining what peace and security mean in practice.
For me, peacebuilding is both personal and professional. I use my voice and my pen to share the message of peace wherever I am. Through my research and publications, I contribute to shaping global conversations on youth, peace, and security. As Programme Director at BBFORPEACE, I work with young people and stakeholders to localise the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) and Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) agendas across communities in Nigeria. And as a global youth advocate, I continue to amplify the call for a just, inclusive, and peaceful world.
As we mark this International Day of Peace, I invite you to reflect on a simple but profound question: What step are you taking today to promote peace in your community?