PEPNET Articles

November 19, 2024 – Abuja, Nigeria The Peace Education and Practice Network (PEPNET) successfully concluded another milestone in its mission to nurture peacebuilding capabilities across communities. The Peace Education and Management Training (PEMAT 2.0) brought together passionate individuals committed to fostering peace through enhanced self-awareness and practical conflict management strategies. Training Highlights Led by PEPNET Ambassador ABOLADE, the training centered on the crucial intersection of self-awareness and peacebuilding. Participants engaged in dynamic sessions that combined theoretical frameworks with practical applications, creating an environment where serious learning was balanced with meaningful engagement. The interactive format included: Creating Connections What set this training apart was its emphasis on creating a comfortable learning environment where participants could openly share experiences and insights. The welcoming atmosphere of the ANA Conference Room in the Chinua Achebe Conference Building provided the perfect setting for this exchange of ideas. Looking Forward The success of PEMAT 2.0 represents another step forward in PEPNET’s ongoing commitment to developing skilled peacebuilding facilitators. The enthusiasm and engagement demonstrated by participants underscore the growing momentum behind peace education initiatives in our communities. Impact and Future Directions This training marks not just a learning opportunity, but a milestone in building a network of informed, capable peace practitioners. As participants return to their communities, they carry with them enhanced skills and fresh perspectives on conflict management and resolution. PEPNET continues to build on these successes, with future training sessions planned to further expand our community of peace educators and facilitators. The positive response to PEMAT 2.0 reinforces our conviction that investing in peace education is crucial for creating lasting positive change in our society. The Peace Education and Practice Network (PEPNET) operates from the Mamman Vatsa Writers Village, Mpape, Abuja, providing training and resources for peace education practitioners across Nigeria.

In a significant step toward educational empowerment, PEPNET has launched its “Back to School for Peace Project” at Junior Secondary School, Mpape, Abuja. This transformative initiative, which kicked off on November 4th, 2024, aims to provide educational opportunities to underprivileged students, embodying our commitment to fostering peace through education. A Vision for Educational Access The Back to School for Peace Project carries an ambitious vision: to enroll 50 students back into school annually. This initiative goes beyond mere enrollment by providing comprehensive support including tuition fees, educational supplies, and ongoing mentorship to ensure student success. Making Dreams Reality: Our First Beneficiary We’re proud to introduce Morris Destiny, our pilot beneficiary, whose enrollment marks the beginning of this impactful journey. Through a collaborative funding approach between PEPNET and the student’s family, we’ve provided comprehensive educational support including: This holistic support package ensures that our beneficiaries have everything they need to focus on their education and personal growth. Partnership with School Leadership The project has received strong support from the J.S.S Mpape administration team. During meetings with the school leadership, Principal Mrs. Onugwu Ngozi expressed appreciation for PEPNET’s comprehensive approach to student support. The school’s administration has committed to partnering with us in: Our Approach: Quality Over Quantity In collaboration with school administrators, we’ve adopted a strategic approach focusing on sustainable, long-term support rather than short-term assistance. This ensures that each beneficiary receives the consistent support needed to achieve their educational goals. Community Impact and Future Plans The project has already begun fostering stronger community ties, with additional participants joining to support our outreach efforts. This growing network of support strengthens our ability to create lasting educational opportunities in the Mpape area. Join Us in Making a Difference The Back to School for Peace Project represents PEPNET’s commitment to transforming lives through education. As we work toward our goal of supporting 50 students annually, we welcome partnerships with donors and organizations who share our vision of peace through education. How You Can Help Looking Forward This pilot phase has provided valuable insights into creating sustainable educational support systems. As we move forward, we remain committed to: Together, we can build a more peaceful world through education. For partnership inquiries or to support the Back to School for Peace Project, contact PEPNET today.

The event welcomed distinguished guests, including ambassadors from over 20 countries, senior UN officials, and high-ranking dignitaries. Notable attendees included Ms. Elsie Attafuah, Resident Representative for UNDP Nigeria; Mr. Mohamed Malick Fall, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator; Comrade Olawande Ayodele E., Nigeria’s Honorable Minister for Youth Development; and a representative from the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Their goodwill messages and reflections set an inspiring tone, underscoring unity and shared purpose. With vibrant performances by secondary school students and an engaging youth panel moderated by Dr. Joy, the event amplified the voices of young leaders like Godwin Lasisi, Leila Sanusi, and Lucy E. Abeng, offering insights into the aspirations of youth across Nigeria and beyond. Representing PEPNET, Ambassador Moses Abolade, who served as the event’s moderator, applauded the UN’s steadfast commitment to peacebuilding and humanitarian action. He emphasized the UN’s essential role in promoting stability and sustainable development worldwide, while reaffirming the need to empower future generations for a more harmonious and prosperous world. Ambassador Abolade was joined by PEPNET’s Communication Assistant, El’ameen Aminu, who supported communication efforts throughout the day. The event not only celebrated the UN’s achievements but also served as a platform to reaffirm its mission and commitment moving forward. Engaging discussions on global initiatives and challenges reinforced the UN’s enduring relevance in building a more connected and peaceful world.  

At the Peace Education and Practice Network (PEPNET), we understand that development is multifaceted, encompassing various dimensions that contribute to the well-being of individuals and communities. Our commitment to development reflects our vision of fostering a society where everyone can thrive. We believe that sustainable development is essential for creating an environment where peace can flourish, and our programs are designed to address this critical need. Sustainable development is at the core of our mission. PEPNET recognizes that development must meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Our initiatives focus on promoting environmentally sound practices, social equity, and economic stability, ensuring that our communities can grow sustainably. By integrating peacebuilding principles into sustainable development efforts, we strive to create harmonious environments that nurture growth while minimizing conflict. Effective leadership is crucial for driving sustainable development. PEPNET emphasizes the importance of cultivating leaders equipped to tackle complex societal challenges. Through various training programs, workshops, and mentorship opportunities, we empower individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to lead initiatives that foster social change. Our leadership development programs prioritize ethical decision-making, transparency, and accountability, ensuring that future leaders can champion sustainable practices within their communities. At PEPNET, we believe that personal development is a vital component of community progress. By fostering individual growth, we enable people to realize their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society. Our initiatives promote skills development, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence, helping individuals become not only better leaders but also responsible citizens. We encourage lifelong learning as a means of personal empowerment, facilitating a culture of growth that extends beyond our programs. Recognizing the potential of young people as catalysts for change, PEPNET prioritizes youth development in all our initiatives. We engage young individuals in leadership roles, encouraging them to take ownership of their future and participate actively in peacebuilding efforts. Our programs provide youth with the tools to advocate for their rights, contribute to community development, and drive sustainable initiatives. By investing in youth, we are sowing the seeds for a more peaceful and equitable society. Community development is essential for fostering resilience and sustainability. PEPNET focuses on building strong, vibrant communities that can support their members in times of need. Our approach emphasizes participatory development, where community members are actively involved in identifying their challenges and crafting solutions. Through collaborative initiatives, we aim to strengthen social ties and foster a sense of belonging, ensuring that communities are well-equipped to address their own development needs. In addition to local efforts, PEPNET is committed to promoting human development, which emphasizes enhancing the well-being and dignity of individuals. Our programs address critical issues such as health, education, and social inclusion, aiming to empower individuals and communities alike. By investing in human development, we contribute to creating a society where everyone has access to the resources and opportunities necessary for a fulfilling life. PEPNET’s vision extends beyond local boundaries. We engage in national and global development dialogues, advocating for policies that support sustainable growth and peace. Our partnerships with international organizations and collaborations with local stakeholders enable us to share best practices and contribute to global efforts in addressing challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change. By connecting local initiatives to global frameworks, we work towards a more interconnected and resilient world. In conclusion, development is a cornerstone of PEPNET’s mission, encapsulating various dimensions that contribute to societal well-being. Our focus on sustainable development, leadership development, personal growth, youth empowerment, community building, and human and global development underscores our commitment to fostering a peaceful society. Through our comprehensive programs, we aim to create an environment where individuals and communities can thrive, paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future for all.

At Peace Education and Practice Network (PEPNET), governance is more than just a concept—it is a critical pillar of our mission to promote stability, justice, and sustainable peace. We believe that inclusive, transparent, and accountable governance systems are essential for building societies that are not only peaceful but also equitable and just. Our work in advocating for good governance reflects our commitment to creating systems that prioritize the well-being of all citizens, especially marginalized groups, by ensuring they have a voice in decision-making processes. One of the key figures leading this charge is PEPNET’s Executive Director, Ambassador Moses ABOLADE, a recognized voice in governance and leadership. Serving as Nigeria’s Youth Lead for the Community of Democracies (CoD), Abolade represents the aspirations and voices of Nigerian youth in international governance dialogues. In this role, he advocates for greater youth inclusion in democratic processes, emphasizing the need for young people to actively participate in shaping the future of governance and policy. Amb. Abolade’s leadership and contributions to governance have earned him several speaking engagements and awards. Notably, he was invited to speak at the prestigious Global Peace Leadership Conference in Nairobi, Kenya, where he received a Peace Award for his outstanding efforts in promoting peace and ethical leadership. His address focused on the importance of governance reforms in achieving sustainable peace and highlighted the role of young leaders in driving these changes. In this forum, he underscored the necessity of building strong institutions that foster justice, transparency, and accountability, as well as the need for leadership that prioritizes integrity and inclusivity. In addition to his international engagements, Amb. Abolade has made significant contributions on the national stage. He recently spoke at the 2024 Head Boy and Head Girl Leadership and Mentorship Retreat in Abuja, where he addressed young leaders on the importance of ethical leadership, governance, and civic responsibility. His message emphasized how effective governance starts with individual leaders who uphold integrity, transparency, and justice in their actions. His mentorship at such events aims to inspire the next generation of leaders to embrace these values, ensuring a future where governance promotes equality and peace. PEPNET’s governance advocacy extends beyond public speaking engagements to hands-on involvement in shaping governance through education and policy advocacy. Our Peace Education for Secondary Schools (PESS) Manual includes governance-related topics to help young learners understand the importance of civic engagement, democratic principles, and the rule of law. By educating youth on governance issues, PEPNET is helping to cultivate a generation of informed and responsible citizens who can contribute to the creation of just and stable societies. Our partnerships with global organizations like the Society for Peace Studies and Practice (SPSP) and Peace Catalyst International also reflect PEPNET’s dedication to governance. Through these collaborations, we engage in policy advocacy that promotes conflict-sensitive governance approaches, aiming to address the root causes of inequality and injustice in societies. We believe that governance reforms are essential for preventing conflict and fostering environments where peace and development can thrive. Amb. Abolade’s contributions to governance and leadership have been recognized across various platforms, including awards for his dedication to peacebuilding and governance. His leadership exemplifies PEPNET’s core values of integrity, justice, and inclusivity, making him a strong advocate for creating governance systems that work for everyone. In conclusion, governance is central to PEPNET’s mission of fostering stability and justice. Through the leadership of figures like Amb. Abolade and our collaborative efforts with international and national partners, we remain committed to advocating for governance that is inclusive, transparent, and just. By focusing on building strong institutions and promoting ethical leadership, PEPNET is helping to create a foundation for sustainable peace and development.