Amb. Chinedu Ogwus Leads Global Call For Youth-Led Peace At UN Day

As Nigeria joined the rest of the world in commemorating International Peace Day 2025, Amb Dr. Chinedu Ogwus, President of the Ogwus Youth Empowerment and Community Development Organization (OYECDO), delivered a compelling message in Lagos that underscored the central role of young people in global peacebuilding.

The event, hosted by the Institute of Global Peace and Conflict Management, drew diplomats, civil society leaders, scholars, and youth activists. Addressing the gathering, Dr. Ogwus declared that the future of peace cannot be outsourced—it lies firmly in the hands of the younger generation.

“Peace is not just a gift handed to us; it is a legacy we must create,” he said, urging governments, civil society, and international partners to channel greater investment into youth-led initiatives that confront both conflict and underdevelopment.

Calling on leaders across all sectors to prioritize youth inclusion in policymaking, Dr. Ogwus also challenged young people themselves to rise above fear and apathy. “We must build bridges where others build walls, and plant seeds of hope where others sow fear,” he affirmed, drawing thunderous applause.

He emphasized that peace is not only a moral imperative but also the very foundation upon which the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) rest. “Without peace, there can be no quality education, no gender equality, no decent work, no climate action,” he warned, stressing that the global agenda would remain elusive unless peacebuilding is embedded in all development strategies.

“Our ambition must be bold,” he continued. “We must integrate peacebuilding into every development initiative. We must ensure that our policies are inclusive, our institutions are transparent, and our communities are resilient.”

In recent years, OYECDO has emerged as one of Nigeria’s most influential youth-led organizations, blending empowerment with peacebuilding in ways that are visibly transforming communities. From the restive creeks of the Niger Delta to the bustling streets of Lagos, the organization’s impact has been far-reaching.

More than 1,210 young people have been trained in leadership and conflict resolution, many now serving as mediators and peace advocates in their localities. OYECDO has supported over 40 youth-run enterprises, proving that peace and prosperity go hand in hand. In addition, the distribution of 270 solar-powered lights to underserved areas has improved safety, while enhancing opportunities for education and learning.

With initiatives ranging from sports-for-peace tournaments to offender rehabilitation programs, OYECDO continues to demonstrate that youth are not just beneficiaries of peace—they are its architects.

As Nigeria marked Peace Day alongside the world, Dr. Ogwus’s rallying call reverberated with clarity: peace is no longer a distant aspiration but a collective responsibility and young people must lead the way.