Boyloaf Foundation in collaboration with Miss Peace Organisation on Tuesday in Yenagoa called for the promotion of peace, tolerance, respect and empathy among the youths in the Niger Delta.
The event was also supported by Bayelsa Government.
The foundation dedicated to non-violence advocacy and the protection of the boy child is founded by Victor-Ben Ebikabowei, popularly known as “General Boyloaf”.
Ebikabowei is a Niger Delta activist noted for his call for the development of the region.
The event brought children and other stakeholders together to celebrate the International Day of Peace with a theme, “Little Hands Big Dreams”.
The children showcased their talents in arts, poetry, speech-making, Afro dance, drama, catwalk for peace, paintings, music, among others.
The organisers said the event was also to advocate for a collective stance against crime and violence.
In his keynote address, the state’s Commissioner for Youth Development, Alfred Kemepado commended the foundation for the event.
Kemepado extolled the contributions of “General Boyloaf” in the enthronement of peace in the Niger Delta.
He further advised young people to shun violence and embrace peace and more importantly remained focused in pursuing their dreams.
He also said that the state government would soon launch a comprehensive youth policy designed to encourage active participation of youths in community development, governance, and decision-making processes.
“We aim to foster a sense of civic responsibility and leadership among young people,” Kemepado said.
Miss Ockiya Ayibanengimote, the Founder of Miss Peace Niger Delta, highlighted the need for parents to instill values in their children.
’If our children grow up learning to tolerate differences, respect others and show empathy then we are raising a generation that will not only desire peace but also know how to protect it,” he said.
Mr. Robert Igali, Director-General, Bayelsa State Centre for Youth Development, commended the Boyloaf Foundation for its consistency in peace advocacy and human development.
Igali also said the vision of the foundation was in line with the Prosperity Administration Governor Douye Diri’s policy of inclusion, building trust and creating opportunities for people to leave harmoniously.
He further said embracing dialogue, reconciliation and non-violent approach to disputes and prioritising youth empowerment remained the key to sustainable peace.
The Coordinator of the event, Mr Seleipre Tonbie recalled the courage of General Boyloaf on Aug. 6, 2009 to lead 31 commanders of the then Movement for Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND) to Abuja to seal the Amnesty deal that restored peace in the Niger Delta.
He recalled that at the meeting, Boyloaf said: ‘’If the government refuses to develop the region and continue in marginalization and injustice to the region, the youths coming after us will be more brutal than us.”
He said it was in response to this looming danger that gave birth to the Boyloaf Foundation and the Boy Child Project.
Tonbie said: “Boyloaf’s bold decision to step away from violence and embrace peace inspired many others.
“The Abuja meeting also led to the establishment of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), which brought scholarship scheme for most youths in impacted communities.
NAN
