STATEMENT BY THE HON. COMMISSIONER FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AND SKILL ACQUISITION, CROSS RIVER STATE, BARR. ODUM-IJOM UKAM, ON THE OCCASION OF THE 2025 INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE

 

Today, September 21, 2025, the global community observes the International Day of Peace—a day set aside by the United Nations to strengthen the ideals of peace, both within and among nations and peoples. This year’s theme, “Partnerships for Peace: Dignity for All,” speaks directly to our collective responsibility as a people and as a government to advance dialogue, inclusion, tolerance, and cooperation as instruments of sustainable development.

On this solemn occasion, I wish to, on behalf of the Ministry of Youth Development and Skill Acquisition, reaffirm the unwavering commitment of Cross River State to fostering a culture of peace and non-violence, especially among our young people who are the heartbeat of our society.

As a State, we recognize that the foundation of peace is laid in the hearts and minds of the youth. When our young people are empowered with education, livelihood skills, and the right values, they become not only agents of peace but also architects of progress. Our ongoing programmes in skills acquisition, digital literacy, civic engagement, and entrepreneurship are therefore deliberately designed to channel youthful energy into productive ventures while discouraging vices such as violence, drug abuse, and cybercrime that threaten social harmony.

Peace is not merely the absence of conflict; it is the presence of justice, inclusivity, and opportunities for all. It demands that leaders and citizens alike resolve differences through dialogue rather than discord, and through understanding rather than division. As a people known for hospitality and unity, Cross Riverians must continue to embody these virtues in our daily interactions.

For us in Cross River State, this day holds even deeper meaning. Our young people are too often caught at the heart of communal clashes — whether in Abi, Biase, Obubra, Boki, Yala, Obudu or along our boundary lines with neighboring states and political tensions. They are sometimes drawn into these conflicts as fighters, yet more painfully, they suffer the greatest losses: lost lives, disrupted education, displacement, and shattered dreams.

As Commissioner for Youth Development and Skills Acquisition, I stand today to say: *enough is enough*. The future of our dear state cannot continue to be mortgaged on the altar of avoidable violence.

Our Ministry is committed to:

– Engaging young people as peacebuilders, not perpetrators of violence, through civic education, skills development, and dialogue platforms.

– Expanding youth empowerment programmes, so that poverty and unemployment no longer become weapons in the hands of conflict entrepreneurs.

–Supporting youth-led peace initiatives and Peace Clubs in schools and communities, so that the next generation grows up valuing dialogue over destruction.

–Mainstreaming peace education and volunteerism, to channel the energy of our youth into service, innovation, and development.

On this International Day of Peace, I call on our young people: choose peace, choose dialogue, choose development. Your voices matter. Your energy is powerful. Use it to build the Cross River of our dreams.

I also call on traditional rulers, community leaders, and political stakeholders to remember that every time we encourage violence, it is our sons and daughters and our youths who pay the highest price. Let us therefore protect their future by investing in peace today.

In line with the People First Agenda of His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, this Ministry will continue to place our youths at the center of peacebuilding and sustainable development.

Let us join hands to say: No more wars in Cross River. No more bloodshed among our young people. Peace is our path. Peace is our future.

I therefore call on all our young men and women to be torchbearers of peace in their communities. Let us embrace dialogue over violence, collaboration over rivalry, and tolerance over prejudice. In doing so, we will be securing not only our future but also the dignity and prosperity of generations yet unborn.

As we commemorate this International Day of Peace, let us remember that peace begins with us. May our State and our Nation continue to thrive in unity, progress, and the abiding peace of God.

Happy International Day of Peace.

Signed:

Barr. Odum-Ijom Ukam

Hon. Commissioner for Youth Development and Skill Acquisition

Cross River State

21st September, 2025