The ReadyToLeadAfrica Presidential Youth-Led Peace Accord 2023 was a groundbreaking project designed to promote peaceful civic engagement, responsible political participation, and non-violence among young people in the lead-up to Nigeria’s general elections. Anchored in the belief that youth must not only participate in democratic processes but also safeguard them, the project successfully brought together youth leaders, presidential candidates, civil society actors, and key stakeholders to endorse a national commitment to peace.
Project Highlights:
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Engagement with Presidential Candidates: Several candidates from major political parties signed the youth-led peace accord, publicly committing to peaceful conduct, respect for electoral outcomes, and non-incitement of violence.
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Youth Mobilization: Hundreds of youth from across Nigeria participated in regional and national consultations leading up to the Accord, emphasizing inclusion, tolerance, and civic responsibility.
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Media Visibility: The event gained widespread media coverage and trended on social media platforms, amplifying its message to millions of Nigerians.
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Collaborations: The project was supported by key institutions and civil society groups working on democracy, peacebuilding, and youth engagement, making it a cross-sector success.
Impact:
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Elevated youth voices in Nigeria’s political discourse around peace and elections.
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Strengthened the role of youth-led advocacy in electoral accountability.
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Promoted dialogue between youth groups and political leaders on non-violence and democratic integrity.
Way Forward:
Following the Accord, ReadyToLeadAfrica continues to track political engagement, advocate for youth inclusion, and monitor the implementation of peace commitments. Plans are underway to institutionalize the Peace Accord as a recurring pre-election youth-led civic activity across Africa.