Youths, Antidote To 2030 Target of Silencing The Guns – ECOWAS.
By Ferdinand Olise
The Economic Community of West African States, says the youth which constitute the majority of the population in the region are a strategic asset in the development of the region.
The ECOWAS Commission which hosted young leaders who convened in Abuja for the the Youth Creative Conference 2025 said the Conference was organised in partnership with the African Union, and Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Youth Development under the theme: “Silencing the Guns.”
Delivering the goodwill message on behalf of the ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security,. Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah,
the Head of Small Arms, Mr. Piex Joseph Ahoba,
emphasized the central role of youth in the peace and security agenda.
He noted that with over 60% of West Africa’s population under 25, young people are not only the future, but also the present drivers of peace, democracy, and development.
Meanwhile, the AU High Representative for Silencing the Guns, and Special Guest of Honor, Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas, commended Nigeria and ECOWAS for their commitment to peacebuilding.
He stressed that the 2030 target of silencing the guns cannot be achieved without the meaningful participation of Africa’s youth, adding that the youths are a strategic asset, rather than a challenge.
