Peace Ambassadors Center Hosts Workshop on Borno Model of Reintegration for Youth Activists

The Peace Ambassadors Center for Humanitarian Aid and Empowerment (PACHE), in collaboration with the Borno State Ministry of Information and Internal Security, and with funding support from the British Council, successfully conducted a one-day workshop focused on the Borno Model of Reintegration. The event aimed at strengthening youth initiatives for peace and reintegration by equipping young activists with vital knowledge and skills.

In his opening remarks, Ambassador Ahmed Shehu, President and Founder of PACHE, emphasized the workshop’s objective of educating selected youth activists on the principles and framework of the Borno Model of Reintegration. "This initiative is designed to identify, educate, and empower youths to play active roles in achieving lasting peace and reintegration in Borno State," Amb. Shehu stated.

The workshop’s keynote session was led by Brigadier General A. Ishaq (Rtd), Special Adviser on Security to Governor Babagana Umara Zulum. He provided an in-depth overview of the Borno Model, highlighting its significance in promoting reintegration and sustainable peace among communities affected by conflict.

Other sessions featured various experts who provided practical training on:

• Advocacy and Communication Skills – Facilitated by Ambassador Ahmed Shehu, focusing on strategies for effective peace advocacy.
• Community Engagement – Led by Bunu Mohammed, addressing the importance of grassroots involvement in peacebuilding efforts.
• Social Media for Peacebuilding – Presented by Yazid Abubakar Suleiman, who explored the role of digital platforms in advocacy and conflict resolution.

The workshop also included interactive group work sessions, allowing participants to collaborate on real-life scenarios, followed by presentations of their solutions.

The event concluded with feedback from the participating youth activists, who expressed their commitment to applying the skills and knowledge gained during the training. Many pledged to become proactive ambassadors of peace within their communities.

This capacity enhancement initiative represents a significant step forward in reinforcing the role of youth in peacebuilding and reintegration efforts across Borno State.

Borno State Government and Peace Ambassador Center Hold Town Hall Meeting on Peace and Security with the theme: Navigating the future, Achievement, Emerging trend and the way Forward

The Borno State Ministry of Information and Internal Security, in partnership with the Peace Ambassador Center for Humanitarian Aid and Empowerment and with funding from the British Council, convened a town hall meeting on February 13, 2025, at the Women Development Center, Maiduguri. The forum provided a platform for key stakeholders to assess current achievements, explore new approaches, and chart a path forward for sustainable peace in the state

The meeting brought together government officials, military agencies including the Nigerian Army, Air Force, and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)—as well as the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), traditional rulers, civil society organizations, women and youth groups, academia, the media, victims of insurgency, and repentant insurgents.

Declaring the meeting open, the Borno State Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, represented by the Director of Administration and Supply, Mr. Babagana Mustapha, urged participants to engage meaningfully, emphasizing that the state government would take the discussions into serious consideration. Also in attendance was Alkali L. Musa, who represented the Office of the Secretary to the Borno State Government in his capacity as the Director of Administration and Supply.

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The General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 7th Division of the Nigerian Army was represented by Garrison Commander Nurulhayat Garba Mohammed. Dr. Bunu Mustapha, Program Manager of the Peace Ambassador Center, provided an overview of the peace and security situation in Borno, setting the stage for discussions. This was followed by an address from Ms. Hussaini Mohammed, who took participants through the objectives of the meeting, emphasizing the need to review and engage stakeholders in dialogue on peace and security issues in the state.

In his remarks, Ambassador Ahmed Shehu, President and Founder of the Peace Ambassador Center, reaffirmed the organization's commitment to strengthening peace initiatives in collaboration with the British Council. He highlighted ongoing efforts aligned with the Borno Model, implemented through the Office of the State Security Adviser, General Isahaq (Retired), to enhance security and promote stability across the state.

The town hall meeting featured a plenary discussion in which all participants actively engaged in conversations about the state's security landscape. Stakeholders commended the military’s kinetic operations but emphasized the importance of non-kinetic approaches such as peacebuilding, reconciliation, and community engagement. Participants also stressed the critical role of education and parental care in fostering long-term security and stability. Other key issues discussed included gender-based violence, transitional justice, access to farmland, and socio-economic development.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Secretariat was tasked with compiling a comprehensive communiqué and policy document for government consideration. Participants also called for the institutionalization of similar forums to ensure ongoing dialogue and sustained peace efforts in Borno State.

This town hall meeting marks another significant step in the collaborative efforts between the Borno State Goxvernment, civil society, security agencies, and international partners in fostering dialogue, resilience, and lasting peace in the region.

PACHE Launches Soft Skills Training for Youth in Borno with British Council Support

The Peace Ambassadors Centre for Humanitarian Aid and Empowerment - PACHE  with funding from the British Council  has launched a soft skills training program aimed at empowering young graduates with essential skills for employability in the 21st-century job market.

The training, which commenced on Friday 28th January 2025, is part of the project Strengthening Youth Initiative for Reintegration and Sustainable Peace project in Borno State. A total of 25 youth were carefully selected out of 564 candidates that applied. Participants were primarily graduates who will be trained in critical soft skills that enhance their ability to secure jobs and contribute meaningfully to society.

 Amb Ahmed Shehu , the President and Founder of PACHE, while delivering the welcome address stated that This initiative is built upon previous projects implemented by PACHE in collaboration with the British Council and Borno state government, to further strengthen efforts to support youth reintegration and promote sustainable peace in the region.  PACHE remains committed to fostering resilience and economic empowerment among young people affected by conflict and insecurity in Northeast Nigeria.

The training focuses on equipping young people with vital competencies and skills such as communication, innovation, entrepreneurship, leadership, problem-solving, and teamwork, ensuring they are better prepared for employment and entrepreneurial opportunities. The training sessions on soft skills will demonstrably empower a generation of young leaders with the necessary skills, confidence, and connections to shape a brighter future.

The first session emphasized entrepreneurship and innovation, emphasizing the importance of self-reliance and creativity in today’s economic landscape. Mr. Bunu Mohammed, the Program Manager of the center presented an overview of the project, outlining its objectives and expected outcomes. By replicating and scaling this model, PACHE/BC can invest in the human capital of tomorrow, fostering a ripple effect of positive change across communities.