As part of efforts to promote peace, unity and national dialogue among Nigerian youths as the 2019 elections draw near, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and One Nigeria Reality Project (ONRP) are partnering to encourage youths to get involved in promoting the ideals of unity and national heritage right from their community, state and region.
Director General of NOA, Dr. Garba Abari who stated this when he received ONRP participants in his office at the headquarters of the agency in Abuja on Monday.
The One Nigeria Reality Project, coordinated by Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Human Rights Champion, Chukwuma Okenwa brings together young professionals from the six geopolitical zones of the country in activities that promote national dialogue, leadership, peace advocacy as well as inter-ethnic tolerance.
The DG said the project, with the theme “The Role of Youths in Promoting Culture and National Values in Nigeria”, will go a long way in positively changing the narratives among Nigerian youths as campaigns toward the 2019 elections gain momentum.
He commended YALI for devoting time and resources to promote culture and national values among the youth, adding that NOA was committed to the partnership because it complements the Agency’s mandate of peace advocacy and awareness creation for national unity while promoting Nigeria’s core values.
In his remarks, the Project Coordinator, Chukwuma Okenwa said participants comprised of twelve young Nigerians selected after rigorous screening and aims to correct age-long prejudices and mutual suspicions among Nigerian youths such that they will no longer be used as canon fodders for violence in this electioneering season.
He said the participants are to use their various social media platforms to promote peace, tolerance, culture and tourism among their fellow youths.
Paul Odenyi reporting.
