By Divine Sam
In a passionate call to action, Engr. (AMB.) Dr. Chinedu Ogwus, President of the Ogwus Youth Empowerment and Community Development Organization (OYECDO), delivered a stirring keynote address at the United Nations International Day of Peace commemorated in LagosNigeria.
Held under the theme “Act Now for a Peaceful World Global,” the event was hosted by the Institute of Global Peace and Conflict Management, drawing diplomats, peace advocates, and youth leaders from across the country and beyond.
Standing before an audience of esteemed guests and visionary youths, Dr. Ogwus reaffirmed his organization’s unwavering commitment to peacebuilding through youth empowerment, social inclusion, and grassroots development.
“We gather not just to commemorate peace, but to build it brick by brick, heart by heart, action by action,” he declared. “Peace is not the absence of war. It is the presence of justice, equity, opportunity, and dignity.”
He stressed that OYECDO is presently transforming youth into Peace Architects, highlighting the progress of OYECDO across communities in Nigeria, particularly the Niger Delta and Lagos State, Dr. Ogwus shared compelling success stories driven by young people.
1,210+ youth trained in conflict resolution and civic leadership.
40+ youth-led businesses supported through the Peace Through Enterprise initiative.
270+ solar lights distributed to underserved communities in response to youth-driven energy advocacy.
Peace Circles and Football Tournaments like the Upata Unity Cup, producing talents now at the De Cardinal Football Academy, in partnership with Rivers United FC.
Reintegration of ex-offenders and displaced youths, contributing to a significant drop in oil bunkering in the Niger Delta.
In addition, over 5,000 school children have been reached through peace education programs, while widows and vulnerable groups continue to benefit from empowerment initiatives published on the organization’s official website.
Expanding the Peace Agenda, Safety in Urban Nigeria. He noted that one of OYECDO’s recent accomplishments is the EKO SAFE PROJECT, launched in partnership with the Coalition of Nigerian Youths on Security and Safety Affairs. The initiative, which rolled out in April 2025, aims to promote public safety, responsible citizenship, and reduce mobile phone use while driving.
Dr. Ogwus emphasized that peace building isn’t only about ending violence it’s also about fostering safe, accountable, and empowered societies, especially in urban centers like Lagos.
“Through collaboration, we have shown that young people are not just beneficiaries of peace they are builders of it,” he noted.
Aligning OYECDO’s mission with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Dr. Ogwus reminded participants that peace is the bedrock of all development:
“Without peace, there can be no quality education, no gender equality, no climate action. Peace is the legacy we must create.”
Dr. Ogwus issues powerful call on government leaders to prioritize youth in policymaking,
He extend the call on civil society to invest in grassroots peace building, International partners to support local solutions with global solidarity, and youth everywhere to “rise, speak, act, and lead.”
In his message of hope, Dr. Ogwus urged youth around the world to be the bridge-builders of tomorrow:
“Let your voice be the anthem of justice. Let your hands be the builders of bridges. Let your heart be the compass of compassion.”
Dr. Chinedu Ogwus is recognized as an ECOWAS Youth Ambassador, a Global Diplomat, and one of the 100 Most Notable Peace Icons in Africa, Dr. Ogwus continues to stand as a beacon of youth-driven peace and development across the continent.
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