In a bid to equip Nigerian youths with practical skills so as to manage conflict, and use modern tools to promote peace, Rev. Sr. (Dr.) MaryCeline Onafowope, OSF, in partnership with the Cardinal Onaiyekan Foundation for Peace (COFP) and REJI Educational Consult Ltd., organised an empowerment programme, recently at St. Augustine College of Education, Akoka, Lagos. The initiative, tagged, “Peace Starts with Me: Training and empowering Bariga youths for a better tomorrow” a part of Sr. Onafowope’s project assignment as an intending fellow of COFP, was born out of the conviction that sustainable peace begins within the individual; in our thoughts, words, actions, and daily choices, and that young people are not just beneficiaries of peace but critical actors and ambassadors of peace in their communities.
According to her, “Bariga, like many urban communities, is rich in talent, energy, and youthful resources. However, it also faces social challenges that call for intentional peace education, responsible citizenship, and positive youth engagement. This initiative is, therefore, designed to equip the young population of Bariga with practical skills to understand conflict, manage differences constructively, and use modern tools, especially digital platforms, to promote peace rather than violence or division.” She thanked the COFP for allowing her to be part of the 2025/2026 Fellowship programme and for giving her the platform to translate this into concrete societal action.
“Your foundation has been a blessing to Nigeria and the African continent as a whole. Bringing people of diverse faith, culture and background to become advocates of peace in a world laden with uncertainty, troubles and numerous vices. The Foundation is a powerful symbol of unity, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to peaceful coexistence”, she said. The distinguished guests and stakeholders in attendance on the occasion, included Mr. Bolaji Ogunlende, the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Lagos State; Prof. Oyekunle Oyelami, an expert in Community Development and Social Work, University of Lagos (UNILAG); Very Rev. Fr. Vincent Olofinkua, Provost, St. Augustine College of Education, Akoka and expert in Educational Administration and Supervision; Mr. Bolaji Goriola, Chairman, Akoka Community Development Association.
Also present were students and representatives of St. Finbarr’s College, Akoka; Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School, Yaba; CMS Grammar School, Bariga and St. Augustine College of Education, Akoka. Other participants include, beneficiaries of the empowerment programme, representatives from Akoka Central Mosque, members of the Akoka Community Development Association, and the Florere Foundation, among others. At the end of the programme, every participant pledged to become an advocate of peace. Participants, at the conclusion, encouraged the organisers to make the initiative a continuous and sustainable event.
