Youths from Nigeria’s northern and southern regions gathered in Kaduna to sign a peace accord aimed at fostering national unity and enhancing their role in the country’s political and economic development. The meeting, held at the historic Arewa House, was organized by the National Youth Alliance and included representatives from various regions.
The event resulted in a peace accord titled “The Birthing of a New Nigeria,” where participants committed to rejecting ethnic and religious divisions to promote national cohesion and stability ahead of the 2027 elections.
Historically, Nigeria has experienced youth mobilization along ethnic and regional lines, often exacerbated during election cycles. Political leaders have been criticized for manipulating socio-economic frustrations among youth—such as unemployment and insecurity—to incite division and unrest.
In his address, Abubakar Mohammed-General, Vice-Chairman of NYA (North), lamented the exploitation of youth by political elites for selfish interests. He emphasized the need for unity among young people and expressed hope for a cooperative future.
Meshack Onyeche, Vice-Chairman of NYA (South), supported this sentiment, insisting that Nigeria’s unity is non-negotiable. He highlighted the struggles of youth under political instability and the importance of rejecting divisive narratives.
Ambassador Aliyu Bin Abbas, the Convener of the National Youth Alliance, shared the group’s history and evolution, which began as an attempt to register as a political party. Although that effort was denied, the group transformed into a movement focused on advocacy and peace-building.
The peace accord comes at a crucial time, with increasing calls for national unity amid rising insecurity and economic challenges. Youth leaders aim to prevent the resurgence of past tensions through cooperation and mutual understanding, seeking to unify the voices of young Nigerians in shaping policies and leadership ahead of the upcoming elections.
