By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
As part of efforts to prevent violent extremism (PVE) and promote lasting peace, the Kaduna State Government has pledged its full support for initiatives that empower youth through sports and other development-focused activities.
The Commissioner for Youth Development, Barrister Gloria Ibrahim, made this known at the official launch of the Grassroots Connected for Sport (GCS) Project Workshop, organized by the Nonviolent Network of Africa Peace Builders (NNAPB) in Kaduna.
She explained that the initiative is focused on using sports as a tool for advocacy against violent extremism and for peacebuilding across the state.
Highlighting the importance of peace in nation-building, Barrister Ibrahim emphasized that sports have the power to unite people regardless of tribe or religion, fostering a common goal of socio-economic growth and development.
“Peace is personal; it’s an action word. For peace to happen, everyone must be involved.
Sports bring people together. When you’re playing, no one asks your tribe or religion — all that matters is winning. This is how unity and peace are built,” she said.
She commended the organizers for the workshop’s well-chosen theme, noting that it directly addresses the state’s urgent need for peaceful coexistence and unity among its diverse population.
According to her, the state government has already provided platforms for youth to thrive and urged young people to leverage the opportunities by applying their talents, skills, and creativity to effect positive change in their communities.
Also speaking at the event, the Director at the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mrs. Grace Sandra Ayuba, described the programme as both timely and capable of repositioning the state’s peace-building strategies.
Representing both the Partnership Against Violent Extremism (PAVE) Network and the Knowledge, Innovation and Resource Hub (KIRH), Mrs. Ayuba also pledged institutional support for the GCS initiative.
“We are giving our full backing to this initiative because it is laudable and commendable.
We will work closely with the Commissioner for Youth Development to ensure this project becomes a success in Kaduna State. Thank you for inviting us to be part of this important event,” she said.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Executive Director of NNAPB and GCS Project Coordinator, Mr. Chukwudi Clement Iweh, explained that the three-day workshop was designed to educate participants on how the values embedded in sports can be used to prevent violent extremism among youth.
Mr. Iweh noted that the initiative aims to address psychosocial behaviors and social exclusion, which often lead to antisocial tendencies among young people.
He added that the program’s key objectives include promoting social inclusion, youth leadership, and active participation in peacebuilding to help build resilient communities against violence.
According to him, 20 youth participants aged 15 to 30 were selected from 10 communities across Chikun, Kaduna North, and Kaduna South Local Government Areas. Selected communities included Sabon Tasha, Rido, Kakuri, Makera, Kudendan, and Doka, among others.
Participants such as Wisdom Omale, Hafsat Yusuf, and Eric John—the Kaduna State Coordinator of the PAVE Network—expressed appreciation for the program and pledged to apply the knowledge gained to improve their communities.
The training, powered by Peace Direct, featured modules on Storytelling for PVE, Human Rights Education, Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding, Advocacy for Peace, Sports for PVE, Gender Inclusion, Youth, Peace, and Security, and Action Plan Development.
