Sam Kaye
A delegation of Young Peace Advocates under the mentorship of Peace Ambassadors Centre For Humanitarian Aid and Empowerment (PACHE) have assured the state government of continuous collaboration in their activities.
The delegation which was led by its founder Ambassador Ahmed Shehu gave this assurance recently when they paid a courtesy visit to the Borno State Ministry of Information and Internal Security.
They were received at the Conference Hall of the Ministerial Headquarters of the Musa Usman Secretariat Maiduguri by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Professor Usman Tar.
In his opening remarks, Ahmed Shehu stated that the objective of the visit was to present the Scorecard of the Youth Peace Advocates to the Ministry for Review and Guidance after 6 months of induction and to also explore further areas of partnership.
It could be recalled that PACHE in partnership with British Council recently selected, trained and inducted 100 Young People across the State as Youth Peace Advocates on Peacebuilding, Conflict Resolution, Mental Health and Psychosocial Support advocates, as well as, as on Climate Mitigation.
The advocates he noted have been engaging in providing humanitarian support to their communities and complimenting the efforts of the government in different sectors.
The Advocates presented a detailed account of their community activities, success and challenges to the government through the commissioner.
One of the Youth Advocates, Hussaina Muhammad elaborated on their participation at the launching of the Borno State Climate Action plan and Commemoration of World Climate Day 2024, where they engaged in conferences and tree-planting initiatives conducted at the communities of Shuwari in collaboration with UNICEF.
Barrister Sumayyah Idris and Saleh Bukar both spoke about the tree-planting campaign implemented at Alakaramti Mega School and replanting of trees removed along major roads during construction especially, around GRA and west End axis in partnership with Borno Go Green under the leadership of Usman Aliyu, Director General Great Green Wall Borno State.
Another Youth Advocate, Hafsat Mustapha shared insights regarding the Advocate’s engagement with the Low- Risk repentant Insurgents at Maiduguri Social Orientation Camp, where they delivered a lecture focused on life after Camp and Skills Transfer.
One of the Advocates in the delegation, Dr. Babatunde Alakija provided an overview of the research that the advocates are currently conducting on the aftermath of the End Bad Governance Protest in Borno State considering the fact that the State is one of those that recorded the highest number of destructions and deaths despite the engagement of stakeholders prior to the Protest.
Amb. Ahmed Shehu advocated for partnership and allocation of one hour slot for PACHE and the youth Advocates to conduct youth focused media engagement at Dandal Kura Radio Maiduguri, which the Commissioner obliged.
In his response, the Commissioner reaffirmed his commitments to partnering with genuine individuals and organizations with a view to building peace in the State.
Prof Tar, who happens to be a long term Partner of PACHE and equally a Peace Ambassador expressed his gratitude and appreciation to PACHE, the Advocates and particularly to the President and founder PACHE, Ambassador Ahmed Shehu, for his persistent commitment to Youth Empowerment and Community Service in Borno State pointing out that the Centre has been Complimenting Borno State Government’s effort in Community Engagements, Peacebuilding and advocacies that lead to reforms and impacts.
Remarking further, Tar emphasised Borno State Government’s commitment to partnering with PACHE and granted immediate approval for a Radio Programme to commence in Dandal Kura.
He additionally requested PACHE and the Youth Peace Advocates to compile and submit a detailed report of their activities, impacts and score cards, which he intends to present to the Governor of Borno State.
The Commissioner encouraged the Youths for their giant strides, sacrifices and service to their fatherland and requested them to submit their requests to the Ministry for further support and assistance.
Prof. Tar also charged them to identify areas of interventions in relevant Ministries for his facilitation.
Highlights of the visit included a group photograph and signing of the visitors Register in the ministry.