Zuwaira Gambo, Honorable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development; Hajiya Zainab Jidda, State Director, National Orientation Agency; and Dr. Oliver Stolpe, UNODC Country Representative
In a collaborative effort, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Borno State Government recently commemorated the accomplishments of young individuals and communities dedicated to fostering peace and safeguarding children from conflict.
In a statement, the UNODC says, the event, held on November 16, 2023, in Maiduguri, marked a significant milestone in the UNODC’s STRIVE Juvenile project.
During the ceremony, three Community Dialogue Structures were handed over to the Borno State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development and the National Orientation Agency.
These structures, facilitated by trained ‘Youth Peace Champions’ and Community Leaders, aim to promote crucial dialogue and conflict resolution, forming a powerful alliance toward a harmonious Borno State.
Hajiya Zainab Jidda, the State Director of the National Orientation Agency, emphasized the importance of this alliance, stating, “Together, they form a formidable alliance in our journey towards a harmonious and united Borno State.”
The occasion also featured the unveiling of a poignant short video documentary titled ‘Stories of Resilience,’ directed by local filmmaker Musa Gwary.
The film sheds light on rarely shared stories of hope amidst Boko Haram’s violence, highlighting the impactful contributions of STRIVE Juvenile Youth Peace Champions in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and Jere Local Government Areas.
Zuwaira Gambo, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, acknowledged the indomitable spirit of resilience among Borno’s youth, describing them as “torchbearers of hope” keen on fostering positive change and peace.
The event concluded with an exhibition of photographs produced by STRIVE Juvenile in collaboration with the Borno State Art and Culture Council. The visual narrative showcased the resilience and strength demonstrated by the people of Borno State.
The STRIVE Juvenile project, funded by the European Union, focuses on preventing and responding to violence against children by terrorist and violent extremist groups.
UNODC remains committed to supporting Nigeria in implementing the Borno Model, creating a secure environment for children, and countering the effects of terrorism while upholding human rights, gender equality, and international law.
