By Funmilayo Adeyemi

The Peace Corps of Nigeria has called for renewed commitment to youth development, peacebuilding, and the speedy passage of its establishment bill by the Senate.

The National Commandant of the Corps, Dr Dickson Akoh, made the call on Thursday in Abuja during an event to mark the organisation’s 27th anniversary and 2025 Founder’s Day celebration.

The theme of the celebration is tagged: “27 Years of Resilience, Patriotic Services, Volunteerism and Peace-Building: Still Standing, Still Serving Nigeria with Pride”.

Akoh called the milestone “a day of remembrance, reflection, and rededication” to the organisation’s core ideals of volunteerism, patriotic service, and national unity.

He said the celebration was a testament to the enduring spirit of the Corps in spite of the nation’s complex security environment.

Akoh noted that the organisation had endured major institutional and operational challenges, but remained resilient, demonstrating “remarkable courage, discipline, and consistency in service to our dear nation.”

Akoh identified widespread youth unemployment and socio-economic exclusion as key drivers of violent crime, including terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping.

He urged for a more strategic, inclusive, and multi-sectoral approach to national security, one that recognises youth empowerment as a vital tool for preventing violence and building peace.

“The Peace Corps of Nigeria can and indeed must play a more strategic and complementary role.

“With our nationwide structure and disciplined youth-driven membership, we are uniquely positioned to serve the nation in multiple capacities.

“This is from supporting security agencies with local intelligence and surveillance to re-orienting young Nigerians for possible enlistment into the military and paramilitary services,” Akoh said.

He noted that the Corps’ presence in communities across Nigeria allowed it to act as a crucial partner in peace-building efforts, gathering local intelligence and transmitting early warning signals to conventional security agencies for rapid response.

Akoh appealed for the urgent passage of the Bill for an Act to establish the Nigerian Peace Corps which was passed by the House of Representatives in February 2024 and awaiting its third reading in the Senate.

“If passed by the Senate and assented to by Mr President, the bill will formally institutionalise our operations and unlock the full potential of our contributions to peace-building and national security,” Akoh said.

He also called on the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, to facilitate the bill’s swift passage, describing it as the “most cherished 27th Anniversary gift” for the Corps’ officers and volunteers nationwide.

On his part, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume commended the Corps for nearly three decades of dedicated service to national unity, youth development, and peace-building.

Akume, represented by a director in the office of the SGF, Mr Francis Ikende, said the organisation was a vital partner in promoting civic responsibility and reducing insecurity across the country.

He praised the organisation for being a dependable partner complementing government efforts in youth engagement, community service, moral reorientation, and national cohesion.

“The Peace Corps of Nigeria has, over the years, seen a critical gap in our national development architecture.

“In spite operating in a challenging national space, sometimes with limited legal and financial support, the Corps has stood firm in its vision.

“Its endurance and the enthusiasm of its volunteers are testimony to the strength of character and resilience of spirit that define the Peace Corps,” Akume said.

He stressed the Federal Government’s commitment to reforms aimed at youth development, job creation, and security, saying the organisation was an essential grassroots partner in reducing youth restiveness and promoting civic consciousness.

Founded on July 10, 1998, the Peace Corps of Nigeria is a youth-focused organisation dedicated to fostering peace, discipline, and national development through character-building and civic service. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Tosin Kolade