The Federal government, through the Federal Ministry of Youth Development has declared that Nigeria will host the 2025 Youth Creative Conference (YCC), slated for October 22nd to 23rd, 2025 in Abuja, at the ECOWAS Headquarters.
Themed “Silencing the Guns: Pathway for peacebuilding in Africa”, the Conference highlights the central role of youth in driving peace,innovation, good governance,and regional integration.
According to the Ministry in a statement on Monday, by Omolara Esan, Director, Information and Public Relation, the conference organized in collaboration with the African Union (AU) and the YCC Organizing Committee will engage over 1,000 young leaders and delegates from across Africa and the diaspora.
The Ministry also emphasized that the event will serve as a platform for dialogue, innovation, and collaboration, aimed at strengthening sustainable development across the globe.
The Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, in his remarks, emphasized the strategic significance of the conference, highlighting its alignment with the African Union Agenda 2063, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, and Nigeria’s foreign policy pillars of the Four DAs – Democracy, Diaspora, Development, and Diplomacy.
“With 70% of Nigeria’s population made up of young people, we recognize their potential as peacebuilders, innovators, and architects of Africa’s future
“This conference provides a vital platform for youth-led dialogue, creative exchange, and inclusive development,
“The key objectives of the conference
“Empower African youth to champion peacebuilding and sustainable development,
“Promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and good governance among young people,
“Strengthen regional and international partnerships for youth-led development and peace” he stated.
Olawande, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to peace and regional solidarity, the Minister noted the nation’s active contributions to peacekeeping and mediation efforts in Libya, Syria, and the Gambia, as well as its leadership in driving initiatives on security, governance reforms, climate action, digital transformation, and inclusive education within Africa.
Speaking on the growing impact of the Youth Creativity for Change (YCC) Initiative, Convener Blaize-Kizito Ndukwe lauded its rapid continental recognition since its launch just four months ago.
Ndukwe revealed that the initiative leverages youth creativity as a powerful tool for peace, employing innovative, non-violent approaches that reflect Africa’s diversity.
The African Union, through the Silencing the Guns flagship initiative, also reaffirmed its support. Mr. Ernest Nya Dolo, Coordinator of the AU’s Silencing the Guns Unit, remarked
“Youth are not just the future, they are the present. By partnering with young people across the continent, we are laying the foundation for sustainable peace and inclusive development.”
The Silencing the Guns initiative operates through a Master Roadmap of Practical Steps, placing youth engagement at the core of efforts to build a conflict-free Africa, in collaboration with regional economic communities (RECs), governments, civil society organizations, youth networks, and traditional leaders.
The Ministry alongside its partners, called for sustained partnership to empower African youth as agents of peace, unity, and prosperity.