By Olukayode Idowu
Speaking at the Screening of video documentary and photograph exhibition ‘Stories of Resilience’ in Abuja, Stolpe lamented that: “Millions have been displaced and thousands have died as a result of the violence in the North-East.
“The recruitment and exploitation of children is one of the darkest sides of this sorry tale. Thousands of boys and girls have been kidnapped from their homes; tricked or coerced into joining Boko Haram; and used as slaves, suicide bombers, cooks and spies.”
He however said: “And yet this darkness should not obscure hope. Another story resonates from North-East Nigeria: one of survival and resilience. The Borno Model represented a crucial step towards ending the insurgency through its promotion and management of mass exits from Boko Haram.
“The initiative has already encouraged more than 160,000 individuals to leave Boko Haram and Boko Haram controlled territories. Its success is due – in great part – to its recognition that most of those surrendering are victims, who have been living in areas where the state is yet to regain full control.
“These impressive results have been made possible thanks to the leadership of HE. Governor Zulum, the support of the Federal Government and its institutions, the cooperation of the Nigerian Armed Forces, and most significantly the readiness of the people of Borno State to give peace a chance.”
Stolpe said: “The youth of Borno are also expressing the aspiration to build a different future. Their eagerness to participate in dialogue and mediation is a sure sign of their resilience. Young people have strong messages for us: they want to speak in their own voices and they want to be heard. Today we have the opportunity to listen to them.”
He revealed that: “Over the past three years, UNODC has worked – in close partnership with the Office of the National Security Advisor and the generous funding of the European Union – to address the plight of children recruited and exploited by terrorist groups.
“We have achieved policy change with the Nigeria Call for Action; developed tools for practitioners; and trained security sector officials, justice actors and child protection experts.
“I would especially like to express my gratitude to these partners for their willingness to cooperate with us on the STRIVE Juvenile Research Study: “Targeted by Terrorists”. By working together, we have been able to produce an insightful analysis of children’s pathways into and out of terrorist groups as well as the related responses of national governments. The resulting report represents an incredible resource to all of us who are working to prevent children’s recruitment and exploitation and support their safe return and effective reintegration.”
He also disclosed that: “In Borno State we have been particularly privileged to work with the UNODC Peace Champions here today in promoting reconciliation, building trust and breaking down stigma, particularly that aimed at children formerly associated with terrorist groups. I am delighted to announce that UNODC will continue to work with these inspiring young leaders beyond the conclusion of STRIVE Juvenile and has today launched a call for applications for 16 new Youth Peace Champions to be trained, mentored and supported by UNODC in Adamawa and Yobe States.
“The STRIVE Juvenile project has provided a platform for intergenerational dialogue between our youth peace champions and the leaders of their communities. As such we have helped to empower communities to achieve the vision of the Borno Model: a culture of peace and an inclusive, resilient and dynamic society. Today we will all see firsthand the tangible results of these efforts. I thank you sincerely for joining us.”
