In a bold move to deepen youth involvement in peacebuilding and counter violent extremism in the North-East, the Kalthum Foundation for Peace (KFP), in collaboration with the Network of Civil Society Organisations Borno State (NECSOB) and the Borno Youth Parliament, has announced a major one-day stakeholders’ summit slated for June 28, 2025.
The high-profile event, which will take place at the prestigious Indimi Hall of the University of Maiduguri, is expected to convene over 1,000 students from Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States. With a central theme focused on violent extremism, conflict resolution, and peacebuilding, the summit aims to empower young people through dialogue and strategic community engagement rooted in counter-insurgency (COIN) frameworks.
According to a joint statement issued by Comrade Bulama Abiso, Executive Director of NECSOB; Amb. Ummu Kalthum Muhammad Rabiu, Founder/CEO of KFP; and Rt. Hon. Abubakar Usman, Speaker of the Borno Youth Parliament, the event represents a significant opportunity for youth to contribute meaningfully to regional stability and peace efforts.
Highlighting the importance of the event, the organisers disclosed that the Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, will serve as the Special Guest of Honour. The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, is also expected as the Distinguished Guest of Honour.
The summit will further draw participation from eminent personalities, including the Shehu of Borno, HRH Dr. Abubakar Ibn Garbai El-Kanemi; Rt. Hon. Abdulkarim Lawan, Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly; the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar; Brigadier General Ugochukwu Unachukwu, GOC 7 Division; and Major General A.G. Laka, National Coordinator for Counterterrorism at the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
Also expected are lawmakers from both the National Assembly and Borno State House of Assembly, senior academics, and other traditional leaders whose presence, the organisers noted, will enrich the summit’s discussions and enhance its impact.
The event will focus on equipping young participants with the tools and knowledge necessary to be proactive peacebuilders within their communities. By fostering open dialogue and collaborative solutions, the summit aims to build resilience against extremism and create platforms for youth-led community transformation.
Organisers are urging members of the public, particularly students and youth-focused organisations, to participate and support this timely initiative.
“This event promises to be a pivotal moment for youth engagement and collaborative action toward building a safer, more peaceful future for all. We encourage everyone to join us in this vital conversation and be part of the solution,” the statement concluded.
