The end of the Cold War was widely hailed as a turning point in global relations, with expectations that ideological divisions would give way to lasting peace. However, the past three decades have instead seen a troubling rise in civil unrest, violent conflicts, and insecurity across many parts of the world. Nigeria has not been exempt. From prolonged ethno-religious and political crises to the lingering effects of military rule, civil war, and the unchecked proliferation of small arms, the nation’s youth have become increasingly vulnerable to a culture of violence, thuggery, and banditry.

True peace and national harmony are achievable, but only through deliberate and sustained efforts to instill the values of peace-building, disarmament, conflict resolution, and responsible citizenship among young people. This requires structured citizenship and leadership training, as well as patriotic reorientation grounded in discipline and civic responsibility.