Youth Take Lead Against Violent Extremism: PAVE & YAVE launch bold National Movement in Abuja
By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.
In a vibrant event held at Denis Hotels in Abuja on Tuesday, the Youth Against Violent Extremism (YAVE), in partnership with the Partnership Against Violent Extremism (PAVE) Network, PCVE, KIRH, and with support from the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF) and ActionAid Nigeria, officially launched a nationwide youth-led initiative aimed at combating violent extremism through innovation, creativity, and collaboration.
Themed “Empowering Youth Voices, Building Resilient Communities,” the launch event marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s peacebuilding efforts, placing young people at the forefront of national counter, extremism strategies.
A major highlight of the event was the unveiling of the YAVE Content Challenge, a nationwide digital storytelling competition encouraging youth-led creative advocacy as a powerful tool in preventing and countering violent extremism (PCVE). Young Nigerians are invited to submit multimedia entries, ranging from short films and spoken word to animations and digital art, promoting messages of peace, unity, and resilience.
“This Is Not a Project. It’s a Movement” PAVE National Coordinator
During a press briefing, Sadiq Muhammad Mustapha, National Coordinator of the PAVE Initiative, emphasized that the platform’s launch signifies more than just an event, it represents the start of a movement.
“This dynamic youth-centered platform marks a significant milestone in our mission to combat violent extremism through digital innovation and creative expression,” Mustapha said.
He added that the platform is a “vibrant interactive hub” designed to amplify youth voices, foster collaboration among changemakers, and serve as a breeding ground for grassroots peace initiatives.
Mustapha reiterated that young people are not just vulnerable targets but visionary leaders and solution-bearers with the power to create lasting societal change. The initiative, he said, positions youth not only as stakeholders but also as leaders in shaping a peaceful and inclusive Nigeria.
The newly launched digital contest, open to all Nigerian youths, aims to mobilize creativity and civic education in the fight against extremist ideologies. The contest encourages participants to submit entries in various digital formats that promote peaceful narratives at both local and national levels.
The PAVE coordinator highlighted the crucial role of partnerships with government agencies, civil society groups, development organizations, media, and grassroots movements in achieving national impact. He affirmed that sustainability and inclusivity remain central to the initiative’s vision.
“PAVE is not a project, it is a movement to empower Nigerian youths,” he concluded.
This launch represents a rallying cry for Nigeria’s youth to take charge in rewriting the narrative, fostering peace, and building a resilient nation from the grassroots up.
