Youths in Kogi Central have launched a peace and empowerment initiative titled Peace After Pain, aimed at healing old wounds caused by political violence and ushering in a new era of youth-led development.
Held in Okene, the event symbolized a turning point for a region once known for political thuggery. Chairman of Kogi Central Youth, Ahmed Adams, said the initiative was not just about financial support but about changing mindsets.
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“We are rewriting our story,” he said. “Kogi Central is no longer a zone of unrest, but one of healing, peacebuilding, and purpose.”
As part of the program, 114 families of past victims of political violence received ₦100,000 each in compensation, while 171 individuals, three from each of the 57 wards were given ₦50,000 as a show of solidarity.
In a bid to promote self-reliance, one youth from each ward also received an industrial sewing machine to support entrepreneurship and skill development.
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Each Local Government Area in the senatorial district received ₦1 million to drive youth development initiatives tailored to the local context. These funds are expected to boost community-based projects and provide more platforms for meaningful youth engagement.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Domestic Affairs, Kashim Ododo, praised the initiative, urging the youth to turn their backs on violence permanently.
He credited former Governor Yahaya Bello for laying the foundation for peace, and lauded Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for expanding on those efforts through targeted empowerment programs.
Community leaders and stakeholders who attended the event described the programme as a model for post-conflict regeneration. They called on other regions with histories of political unrest to emulate the initiative, emphasizing that true progress lies in peace, inclusion, and the economic empowerment of the youth.
