As we marked our 6th anniversary on November 1st, 2024, PEPNET celebrates a remarkable journey of transformation, impact, and community-driven peacebuilding. What began in 2018 with five dedicated peace scholars has flourished into a dynamic network fostering positive change across Nigeria and Africa. Our Impact by the Numbers Growth Through Collaboration Meaningful partnerships with global organizations, recognition through various awards, and an ever-expanding reach have marked our journey. This success stems from the collective effort of our: Building for the Future While we celebrate these achievements, we recognize that PEPNET is still laying the groundwork for a lasting legacy. The foundation we’re building today will continue to drive meaningful change and foster peace for generations to come. Looking Ahead As we enter our seventh year, we remain committed to: A Message of Gratitude To everyone who has been part of this transformative journey: your dedication, support, and commitment to peace have made these achievements possible. Together, we are creating ripples of positive change that extend far beyond our immediate reach. Here’s to another year of making a difference, fostering understanding, and building a more peaceful world. Happy 6th Birthday, PEPNET! 🎉 Together, building peace through education and advocacy since 2018

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.  

At Peace Education and Practice Network (PEPNET), security is not just a priority; it is a vital component of our mission to promote lasting peace. A secure environment is the foundation upon which sustainable peacebuilding efforts are built. Without it, the potential for positive change is undermined by instability, fear, and conflict. PEPNET’s approach to peacebuilding goes beyond traditional notions of security, which often focus solely on physical safety. We believe that true security must encompass human security in its broadest sense; protecting individuals from threats such as violence, poverty, and injustice while fostering an environment where social, economic, and environmental stability can thrive. Through our peace education initiatives, such as the Peace Education for Secondary Schools (PESS) Manual and the Peace Zone program, we focus on equipping individuals and communities with the skills and knowledge to prevent conflict before it erupts. By promoting conflict-sensitive development, advocating for human rights, and empowering vulnerable groups, we aim to build societies where every individual can live in peace and dignity. Moreover, PEPNET’s work in policy advocacy and mediation emphasizes the importance of establishing and strengthening institutions that ensure justice, transparency, and inclusivity. We believe that without strong institutions that uphold the rule of law, protect human rights, and promote social equity, sustainable peace cannot be achieved. Security is at the heart of our mission, as it creates the conditions necessary for individuals and communities to thrive and work together toward a more peaceful and just world. In conclusion, security is integral to PEPNET’s peacebuilding vision. We are committed to creating safe environments where individuals feel protected, empowered, and equipped to contribute to lasting peace. By addressing both immediate and structural threats to security, we believe that true, sustainable peace is within reach for all.

At Peace Education and Practice Network (PEPNET), education is the foundation of our efforts to build a more peaceful world. By empowering individuals with the knowledge and skills to foster peace, we believe that sustainable change can be achieved. Education isn’t just about providing information—it’s about equipping people with the tools they need to resolve conflicts, promote understanding, and address the root causes of violence. PEPNET’s educational initiatives, like the Peace Education for Secondary Schools (PESS) Manual and other specialized programs, are designed to engage youth, vulnerable groups, and policymakers in meaningful learning experiences. These programs focus on conflict resolution, leadership, and community development, ensuring that participants are prepared to lead peace efforts in their own communities. Through our content creation, training sessions, and advocacy, we aim to cultivate a generation of peacebuilders who understand the complexities of conflict and are ready to take action for positive, lasting change. At PEPNET, education is more than just a tool—it’s the key to unlocking a peaceful future for all.