YEEP Alumni Nigeria Advocates for Youth in Decision-Making

YEEP Alumni Nigeria, a network focused on preventing and countering violent extremism (PCVE), has urged for greater and meaningful participation of young people in decision-making processes to enhance peace and security in Nigeria. This call was made in a statement to commemorate International Youth Day 2026, themed “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations.” The organization highlighted that while young people face various challenges such as conflict, unemployment, and political exclusion, they share common aspirations for safety, education, and a better future.

The statement emphasized that prevention of violent extremism should begin before recruitment into extremist groups occurs, requiring communities to address grievances and provide safe avenues for youth expression. YEEP Alumni Nigeria argued that young people are not merely victims or instruments in the fight against extremism but are already active community actors.

They stressed that meaningful youth participation should translate into actual influence over policies and community decisions, rather than just being consulted without impact.