𝐁𝐁𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐏𝐄𝐀𝐂𝐄 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐝 “𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞: 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐀𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚” We are happy to share with our supporters and partners the narrative report of our efforts in 2025. In the words of our executive director, 'I am very proud as the Executive Director of Building Blocks for Peace Foundation, to share how our collective resilience, partnerships and commitment have shaped milestones that continue to define our journey forward. At the beginning of the year 2025, which was themed ‘Consolidating Peace: Advancing the Implementation of Youth, Women Peace and Security Agenda’, we had committed and set out to increase our support for youth and women building blocks for peace across communities in Nigeria and beyond. This report shows that we kept our commitment. From Brussels to Banjul, Nairobi to Bishoftu, Kampala to The Hague, Oslo to Addis Ababa, Niamey to Amman, Freetown to Accra, Ibadan to Makurdi we worked alongside local and international stakeholders, shaping policies, empowering youth, amplifying youth and women’s voices, and celebrating their resilience. Download report here bit.ly/4c43T22

𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗱𝗹𝘆 𝗨𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐢𝐧 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐞𝐧𝐬 Youth activism has long been a powerful voice for democratic change in West Africa. It is driven by widespread violence of exclusion, governance failures, corruption, shrinking civic space, among others. Building on a long history of anti-colonial and pro-democracy struggles, contemporary youth movements increasingly rely on digital platforms, decentralised organisation, and regional solidarity to demand accountability, democratic governance, and social justice. This report, which draws on existing literature, relevant data and stakeholders’ engagement, finds out that while movements such as #EndSARS, #Balai Citoyen #Y’en a Marre #FixTheCountry, and #EndBadGovernance have expanded civic participation and influenced public discourse, they continue to face significant obstacles. These include state repression, weak democratic institutions, economic constraints, insecurity, organisational fragmentation, limited intergenerational collaboration, and challenges associated with digital activism. The report concludes that strengthening youth activism requires coordinated action by governments, civil society, regional institutions, international partners, and youth movements themselves. Protecting civic space, expanding economic opportunities, strengthening democratic institutions, promoting responsible digital engagement, and fostering stronger organisational capacity and intergenerational collaboration are essential to ensuring that youth activism continues to advance democratic governance, peace, and inclusive development across West Africa. 🔗 Read the full publication: shorturl.at/LltKx

𝐁𝐁𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐏𝐄𝐀𝐂𝐄 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐏𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐑𝐄𝐆𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐒𝐔𝐋𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 𝐎𝐍 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐓𝐇, 𝐏𝐄𝐀𝐂𝐄 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐔𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐘 @bbforpeace is in #Accra #Ghana, participating in the ongoing Regional Consultations on the Progress of the Implementation of the Continental Framework on Youth, Peace and Security (CFYPS) and its 10-Year Implementation Plan (2020–2029). The consultation provides an important platform to assess progress, share experiences, identify implementation gaps, and develop evidence-based recommendations to strengthen the Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) Agenda across Africa. Recognising that young people are not merely beneficiaries of peace and security initiatives but essential partners in building sustainable peace, this engagement reinforces the need for their meaningful participation in decision-making, conflict prevention, mediation, protection, and peacebuilding processes. At @bbforpeace, we remain committed to advancing youth inclusion, strengthening partnerships, promoting peaceful communities, and ensuring that young people have the opportunities, capacities, and platforms to contribute meaningfully to peace and security at local, national, regional, and continental levels. As Africa continues to advance the implementation of the CFYPS, we believe that meaningful youth participation must translate into concrete actions, stronger policies, sustainable partnerships, and measurable impact. Together, let us turn commitments into action and empower young people to shape a more peaceful, inclusive, and secure Africa. #Youth4Peace #PeopleBuildingPeace #SilencingTheGuns #Agenda2063 #TheAfricaWeWant

“Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better man.” — Benjamin Franklin True change begins within us. At @bbforpeace, we believe that building a #peaceful world starts with the choices we make every day — choosing discipline over destructive habits, understanding over hatred, kindness over conflict, and unity over division. As you venture into this new week, we encourage you to: 📌 Challenge yourself to grow. 📌 Be a source of #peace in your community. 📌 Choose love, respect, and compassion. 📌 Strive to become a better version of yourself every single day. Remember, peace is not just the absence of conflict; it is the presence of justice, empathy, and mutual respect. Every positive action, no matter how small, can inspire a greater change. Let us work on ourselves, stand for peace, and build a world where everyone can thrive. Because a better world begins with a better us! Wishing you all a peaceful, beautiful, and fulfilling new week. #Yes2Peace #PeopleBuildingPeace #MondayMotivation

𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐊 𝐆𝐎𝐃 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐅𝐑𝐈𝐃𝐀𝐘! 🎉 One week down, new memories waiting to be made. Whatever this week looked like for you, give yourself credit for showing up. Take a breath, enjoy the little things, and make room for what brings you joy and #peace. From everyone at @bbforpeace, have a beautiful Friday and an even better weekend! ✨ #TGIF #PeopleBuildingPeace

𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐑𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚 October 21 marks the Africa Human Rights Day, commemorating the entry into force of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights in 1986. As we reflect on four decades of the African human rights system, we must also confront the realities facing young activists, human rights defenders and civil society actors across the continent. Young people continue to champion human rights, accountable governance, peace and democratic participation. Yet, challenges such as restrictions on civic freedoms, harassment of activists, online threats and barriers to peaceful assembly underscore the urgent need to protect civic space and strengthen youth-led advocacy. In recognition of this, @bbforpeace, through @waypanregional, with support from @ActionGroupFCS and @KARIBUFoundation is bringing together emerging activists, veteran human rights defenders and civil society practitioners for a two-part initiative focused on intergenerational learning, practical capacity building and regional solidarity. Date: 5 November 2026 Venue: Abuja, Nigeria The initiative will feature: An intergenerational dialogue on activism and civic space in West Africa. Practical training for WAYPAN members on human rights advocacy, civic-space protection and digital safety. Networking and knowledge-sharing to strengthen collaboration among young human rights defenders across the region. We believe that protecting civic space requires collective action, shared experiences and stronger connections between generations of activists. By learning from the past and equipping young people for the challenges of today, we can help build safer, more inclusive and effective youth-led movements for human rights and democracy. Together, let’s protect civic space, amplify youth voices and strengthen human rights advocacy across West Africa! ✊🏾 #AfricaHumanRightsDay #HumanRights #YouthActivism #YouthLeadership #PeopleBuildingPeace

𝐂𝐋𝐈𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐔𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐈𝐒 𝐇𝐔𝐌𝐀𝐍 𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐔𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐘! A changing climate does not affect everyone equally. For communities already facing insecurity, poverty, and displacement, climate pressures can deepen existing vulnerabilities and make recovery even more difficult. From protecting livelihoods to strengthening community resilience, climate action must be part of how we prevent conflict and build lasting peace. At @bbforpeace, we call for climate-responsive peacebuilding that puts communities at the centre, amplifies the voices of young people and women, and promotes inclusive solutions to shared environmental challenges. Invest in resilience. Strengthen social cohesion. Make climate action a foundation for peace. The future of #peace depends, in part, on how we respond to the climate crisis today. The time to act is now! #ClimatePeaceSecurity #HumanSecurity #Peacebuilding #ClimateResilience #PeopleBuildingPeace

𝐁𝐁𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐏𝐄𝐀𝐂𝐄 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐰𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞, 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐛𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 This week, @bbforpeace participated in the Northwest Climate Summit, organised by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (Northwest), Hon. Abdullahi Tanko Yakasai, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The summit aimed to strengthen governance and accountability in the implementation of climate programmes across the Northwest region. A major highlight of the event was the launch of three initiatives: the Northwest Climate Academy, the Northwest Climate Fund, and the Northwest Climate Investment Marketplace. Key discussions during the summit included the following: Innovation, Technology and Disaster Management: The panel explored recommendations for the curriculum of the Northwest Climate Academy, including opportunities for climate entrepreneurship in the region and training students in quality data generation. Discussions also emphasised the need to extend the benefits of the three initiatives to grassroots communities and outlined strategies for developing bankable projects capable of attracting funding. Investment Readiness: The panel examined the conditions necessary to attract investment in climate initiatives. It also encouraged states to domesticate and implement relevant national climate policies and international commitments to which Nigeria is a party, as well as establish state-level climate funds to support climate action. The summit provided a valuable opportunity for BBFORPEACE to engage with strategic stakeholders, exchange insights, and share the impact report of our ‘Northwest Climate Peace Hubs: A Climate Security Approach to Conflict Prevention’ project, implemented in partnership with @UNDPNigeria and the Embassy of Norway in Nigeria. #NWCS #ClimateChampion #ClimateSummit #PeopleBuildingPeace

𝐁𝐁𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐏𝐄𝐀𝐂𝐄 𝐇𝐎𝐒𝐓𝐒 𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐃 𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐓𝐇, 𝐏𝐄𝐀𝐂𝐄 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐔𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐘 (𝐘𝐏𝐒) 𝐃𝐈𝐀𝐋𝐎𝐆𝐔𝐄 𝐎𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐓𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐏𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐀𝐑 How can we build a society where young people are empowered to contribute to peace and security while being protected from threats that undermine their safety, dignity, and future? On 13 October 2026, @bbforpeace with support from @ng_youthfund, convened the second series of its Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) Dialogue, focusing on the Protection Pillar of the YPS Agenda. The virtual dialogue brought together peacebuilding practitioners, experts, youth advocates, civil society actors, and development professionals to explore the protection challenges facing young people in Nigeria and identify practical ways to address them. Discussions examined critical issues, including electoral violence and political intimidation, climate-induced insecurity, the protection and reintegration of displaced and marginalized young people, and the need for stronger, more responsive youth-centred protection systems. Participants further emphasized the importance of meaningful youth participation in decision-making, stronger accountability for existing protection laws and policies, improved access to psychosocial support and education, and community-based early warning and response mechanisms. At BBFORPEACE, we believe that protecting young people is fundamental to building peaceful, inclusive, and resilient communities. Effective protection must go beyond responding to harm; it must address the root causes of vulnerability and ensure that every young person can participate safely and meaningfully in peacebuilding. Together, let us move from protecting young people in principle to protecting them in practice. #Youth4Peace #TheNigeriaWeWant

𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧, 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 | 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐭 𝐄𝐧𝐝𝐬, 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧? A peace agreement may be signed. Displaced families may begin returning home. Communities may start rebuilding. But for some women, the insecurity continues in less visible ways: lost livelihoods, unpaid care responsibilities, unresolved trauma, limited access to justice, and the struggle to rebuild their lives. Who has access to recovery resources? Whose losses are acknowledged? Who can seek justice, and who is left to navigate the aftermath alone? At @bbforpeace, we believe these questions belong at the centre of conversations about post-conflict recovery. The work of #peace does not end when the fighting stops; it continues in the systems, services, and opportunities available to those rebuilding their lives. A country can move on from conflict while many women are still living with its consequences. #WPS #PeopleBuildingPeace #PostConflictRecovery #LeaveNoOneBehind

𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡, 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲: 𝐖𝐡𝐨 𝐆𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐅𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞? Peace is often discussed in terms of stability, agreements, and the absence of violence. But for many young people, security is also about whether they can move freely, express themselves without fear, access opportunities, and imagine a future without constant uncertainty. These everyday realities matter. They shape trust in institutions, relationships within communities, and how young people respond to conflict. At @bbforpeace, the Youth, Peace and Security conversation must also examine the conditions young people live in, the pressures they navigate, and the systems that either protect or expose them to harm. Because peace is not only something we negotiate. It is something people must be able to experience. #Youth4Peace #PeopleBuildingPeace #LeaveNoOneBehind

“We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves.” At @bbforpeace, we believe that a better world begins with a peaceful heart. True peace begins in the heart. Before we can build a world free from hatred, violence, and division, we must first learn to embrace ourselves, heal our wounds, forgive, and let go of the bitterness that weighs us down. As you commence this new week, we encourage you to: Choose love over hate. Choose forgiveness over resentment. Choose understanding over judgment. Choose inner healing over anger. Make peace with yourself. Spread peace to others. Be the reason someone believes in peace again. Remember, creating a peaceful world starts with the choices we make every day. When we nurture #peace within ourselves, we become a source of hope, kindness, and positive change for others. Wishing you a #peaceful and beautiful week ahead. #Yes2Peace #PeopleBuildingPeace #MondayMotivation

𝐀 𝐌𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐀𝐆𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐌 𝐁𝐁𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐏𝐄𝐀𝐂𝐄 𝐄𝐗𝐄𝐂𝐔𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐃𝐈𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐎𝐑 On behalf of our Executive Director at @bbforpeace, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who celebrated him on his birthday. Thank you for the prayers, warm wishes, calls, and thoughtful messages. Your kind gestures and goodwill are deeply appreciated and made his birthday even more special. We do not take your love and support for granted. Thank you for being part of this special moment. With gratitude from all of us at BBFORPEACE!

🎉 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐊 𝐆𝐎𝐃 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐅𝐑𝐈𝐃𝐀𝐘! We made it to Friday! 🙌🏽 Thank God for life. Thank God for hope. Thank God it’s Friday! A moment to pause, give thanks, and celebrate the gift of life, hope, and another opportunity to make a difference. At @bbforpeace, we believe that every day is an opportunity to spread love, promote peace, embrace unity, and build a better world for everyone. As you step into the weekend, remember: peace begins with you, kindness starts with a choice, and every little act of love counts. May your Friday be filled with joy, your weekend with rest, and your heart with gratitude. Let’s keep choosing #peace, spreading kindness, and inspiring positive change wherever we go! #TGIF #HappyFriday #PeopleBuildingPeace

🎉𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗬 𝗕𝗜𝗥𝗧𝗛𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝗧𝗢 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗗 𝗘𝗫𝗘𝗖𝗨𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗗𝗜𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗢𝗥, 𝗠𝗥. 𝗥𝗔𝗙𝗜𝗨 𝗔𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗥𝗔𝗡 𝗟𝗔𝗪𝗔𝗟! Today, we proudly celebrate a dedicated leader, a passionate peacebuilder, and a committed advocate for positive social change, @RafiuLawal88, the Executive Director of @bbforpeace. Your dedication to peacebuilding, youth empowerment, community development, and the promotion of peaceful coexistence reflects a strong commitment to creating a better and more inclusive society. On this special occasion, we celebrate your leadership, vision, and continued commitment to building a culture of #peace and inspiring individuals and communities to become agents of positive change. As you mark another year of life, may the year ahead bring you greater wisdom, renewed strength, sound health, abundant joy, and remarkable achievements. May your efforts continue to inspire hope, your vision opens new possibilities, and your contributions to peacebuilding leave a lasting impact on generations to come. From all of us at BBFORPEACE, we wish you a joyful birthday filled with love, happiness, favour, and countless blessings. #HappyBirthday!

𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡, 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲: 𝐁𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. Young people cannot be expected to sustain peace in systems that exclude them from shaping it. At @bbforpeace, we believe the real test of the Youth, Peace and Security agenda is not how often we talk about youth inclusion, but how much influence young people actually have in decisions affecting their communities. The question is no longer whether young people can contribute to #peace. It is whether institutions are ready to share the space, trust, and responsibility required to make that contribution meaningful. Youth inclusion must move from rhetoric to power, from participation to influence, and from promises to practice. #Youth4Peace #PeopleBuildingPeace #LeaveNoOneBehind

📢 𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗟𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦! 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗹 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗢𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝗳 𝗩𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗶𝘀𝗺(𝗣/𝗖𝘃𝗲) Themed: Shaping Narratives and Strengthening Resilience: Strategic Communication for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism in West Africa Date:November 3–4, 2026 Location:Abuja, Nigeria Are you a civil society practitioner working in peacebuilding, conflict prevention, or the prevention and countering of violent extremism in West Africa? This is an opportunity to strengthen your skills, exchange experiences, and contribute to building more peaceful and resilient communities across the region! As extremist narratives, misinformation, and digital influence continue to shape the peace and security landscape in West Africa, civil society organisations have a critical role to play in promoting credible peace narratives, strengthening community resilience, and countering harmful messages. @bbforpeace, in partnership with @wapsed_official, @CORNWestAfrica, with support from @gppac, and @DutchMFA invites applications from experienced civil society practitioners across West Africa for a two-day regional training designed to build practical skills in strategic communication for P/CVE. Why Participate? This training will provide a platform for regional knowledge exchange, peer learning, and collaboration. Participants will contribute to developing practical P/CVE communication approaches and strengthening a regional community of practice dedicated to promoting peace and countering violent extremism. What You Will Gain Selected participants will gain practical knowledge and skills in: 📌Understanding extremist narratives and their influence on communities. 📌Analysing audiences, information ecosystems, and trusted messengers. 📌Developing credible alternative narratives and positive peace messaging. 📌Addressing misinformation, harmful rumours, and emerging digital risks. 📌Strengthening community resilience through strategic communication. 📌Designing practical communication interventions for preventing and countering violent extremism. Apply here: bit.ly/4B1IpNJ Application deadline: 23 October 2026 Join us in shaping narratives that promote peace, strengthen trust, and build resilient communities across West Africa! #PeopleBuildingPeace

𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐖𝐀𝐏𝐒𝐞𝐃 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐭𝐨 𝐖𝐀𝐏𝐒𝐞𝐃 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟕: 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚’𝐬 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐀𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐎𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 “Rather than designing one uniform security response for all of West Africa, perhaps it is high time security governance is differentiated according to the geographical reach and character of particular threats.” Kindly find the Opening Keynote Address delivered by erudite Professor Charles UKEJE, mni, Board Chair, BBFORPEACE, at the recently concluded 𝐓𝐰𝐨-𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐞 organsied by @bbforpeace, in partnership with @gppac, @laclacnetwork, @wapsed_official, with support from @DutchMFA as part of the Connecting for Peace: Powerful Local Peacebuilding and Policies. Read/Download Here: shorturl.at/LH0QS #PreWAPSeD2027 #PeopleBuildingPeace

𝐂𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐋𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒: 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐓𝐇, 𝐏𝐄𝐀𝐂𝐄 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐔𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐘(𝐘𝐏𝐒) 𝐏𝐎𝐋𝐈𝐂𝐘 𝐃𝐈𝐀𝐋𝐎𝐆𝐔𝐄 𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐒 𝐈𝐈: 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐓𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 Who protects young people, and how can we make protection systems work for everyone? @bbforpeace, in partnership with @cofpnigeria, supported by @ng_youthfund, is convening its second series of online policy dialogues to amplify diverse voices and generate practical recommendations for a policy paper on youth and peacebuilding. Date: Tuesday, 13 October 2026 Time: 2PM Lagos Time Venue: Zoom (See the flier for more details) The dialogue seeks to explore the protection challenges facing young people in Nigeria and identify practical, inclusive, and policy-driven solutions to address them. It will examine how protection systems can better respond to the realities of young people affected by conflict, displacement, marginalisation, gender-based violence, climate-related insecurity and the criminal justice system. We invite young peacebuilders, policymakers, youth-led organisations, civil society actors, traditional and religious leaders, researchers, and other stakeholders to participate in the second series of its Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) Policy Dialogues, focusing on the Protection Pillar. The dialogue aims to identify gaps in existing protection policies and mechanisms, generate actionable recommendations, strengthen collaboration among stakeholders, and contribute to the development of a policy paper that advances the implementation of Nigeria's National Action Plan on Youth, Peace and Security. We believe young people should not only be recognised as individuals requiring protection but also as active partners in shaping the policies and systems that keep them safe. Apply here: docs.google.com/forms/d/1M7s… #Youth4Peace #NigeriaYouthFuturesFund #TheNigeriaWeWant

Peace is not achieved by controlling nations, but mastering our thoughts. - John Harricharan True peace begins within. It’s not about borders, governments, or power, it’s about the quiet strength of the mind. When we learn to master our thoughts, we free ourselves from anger, fear, and division. Nations may rise and fall, but the human spirit remains unshaken when it is rooted in inner peace. As we commence this new week, @bbforpeace would like to remind you that the greatest battles are not fought on the outside, but within. Every time we choose compassion over conflict, understanding over judgment, and calm over chaos, we contribute to a world where #peace is possible. Remember: mastering our thoughts is the first step to mastering our world. Wishing you a #peaceful and productive week ahead. #Yes2Peace #HappyNewWeek #PeopleBuildingPeace #MondayMotivation

𝐁𝐁𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐏𝐄𝐀𝐂𝐄 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐬 The weekend is here! @bbforpeace encourages you to read the 𝐊𝐞𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞 𝐀𝐝𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐫 𝐈𝐬𝐚𝐚𝐜 𝐎𝐥𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐀𝐥𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐭 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐮𝐞 (𝐖𝐀𝐏𝐒𝐞𝐃) 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓. Given the constraints faced by national authorities, there is growing recognition among scholars and policymakers of the insufficiency of national-level interventions as the sole mechanism for managing peace and security. Local violence, often manifesting in ethnic clashes, resource-based disputes, or community mobilisation through armed groups, frequently escapes the reach or adequate under-standing of national governments. Similarly, conflicts with transnational features, such as cross-border insurgencies, trafficking, and refugee flows, necessitate regional coordination to prevent spillovers and to mount coherent responses. Regional organisations, due to their geographical and political proximity, provide frameworks for collective action and normative enforcement that transcend state boundaries. Local actors, simultaneously, embody contextual knowledge, legitimacy, and direct stakes in peace building, which are crucial to achieving sustainable outcomes. Thus, multi-tiered engagement encompassing local ownership complemented by national and regional partnership has emerged as a preferred paradigm for addressing the layered peace and security challenges in West Africa. Click the link below to Read. Learn. Share. Build Peace. shorturl.at/nuI3l Wishing you a #peaceful and beautiful weekend! #HappyWeekend #BBFORPEACEWeekendReads #PeopleBuildingPeace #WAPSeD2025