Non-State Actors’ Empowerment Program
Proposed Programme for Non-State Actors Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration. The Empowerment Program believes that lasting change is the result of incremental action. We work alongside our participants on their journey to living a healthier life. Through our programming, we remove barriers to health, housing, employment and education so our participants can take the steps they need to achieve their goals (Figure 2).Philosophy |‘4DRDP’: Dialogue, Defense, Disarmament, Demobilizations and Reintegration, Development & Prosperity.Youth empowerment programs are aimed at creating healthier and higher qualities of life for underprivileged or at-risk youth. The five competencies of a healthy youth are: (1) positive sense of self, (2) self- control, (3) decision-making skills, (4) a moral system of belief, and(5) pro-social connectedness. Youth empowerment programs are a great way to help young people with the non-state actors in Nigeria. They help develop skills, confidence, and provide relevant support to succeed in life. This lets young people realize their full potential and actively participate in society as self-reliant, engaged, and responsible citizens to mitigate conflicts within Nigeria. These programs can be started by governments, communities, schools or private sector entities. Often an empowerment program has a specific focus group, for example at-risk youth, marginalized communities, or those in underprivileged circumstances. An empowerment program helps them change in their own lives and their communities. There are many ways to support youth with an empowerment program:
Mentorship
Many youths engagement programs pair young people with an adult mentor who provides guidance, support, and advice. The mentor serves as a role model and helps the young person develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed. These programs often focus on helping young people develop the leadership skills. These will come in handy when they need to take on leadership roles in their communities. This can include training in communication, problemsolving, and decision-making. It can also be an opportunity to explore entrepreneurship, job readiness, and employment opportunities.Personal developmentPromoting self-confidence, self-esteem, and emotional intelligence can help youth navigate challenges and build resilience. This kind of programs can also address physical and mental health concerns and promote a healthy lifestyle. More formal programs can address education, vocational training, and workshops to enhance academic, technical, and life skills (Figure 2).Civic engagementEncouraging youth to actively participate in civic activities, volunteerism, and community service helps them become active and responsible citizens. They can start early to advocate for their rights and promote social justice. All of this will raise awareness about important issues that affect their lives and communities (Figure 2).Youth Focused Funds by Nigeria Bank of Industry (BOI)BOI provides youth-focused funds, business advisory, and specific interventions to address the challenges of youth unemployment, job creation, and poverty alleviation.Youth Focused FundsFacilitating Increased Empowerment and Support for Young Nigerians. The Youth sub-directorate was established to provide low-cost funding and financial advice to the economically active but disadvantaged members of Nigerian society. They are served by the Bank through on-lending programs. This is a novel collaboration with licensed financial institutions including Microfinance Banks (MFBs), and commercial banks offering both traditional and non-interest banking products to our large and diverse customer base. This has enabled the Directorate to catalyze and increase its impact and support to the Nigerian youth. Through the youth sub-directorate, the Bank undertakes significant efforts aimed at addressing identified economic gaps affecting the country’s youth. Our youth-focused funds and business advisory are specific interventions designed to address the challenges of entrepreneurship development, youth unemployment, growth and development, business resuscitation, job creation, and poverty alleviation (Figure 3).
Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP)
The Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP) Fund was established by the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Social Investment Unit in the Office of the Vice President (OVP) to provide financial assistance to market women, artisans, women cooperative societies, enterprising youths, small scale farmers, agro-allied processors and other MSME categories for small and medium businesses in Nigeria. BOI is vested with the responsibility to manage the fund on behalf of the Federal Government and to disburse the funds to the target beneficiaries directly under its Micro Enterprises Directorate, and through existing products of BOI as well as those to be developed to reach the target beneficiaries (Figure 3).
Eligibility Criteria:
i. Applicants must belong to a cooperative society/group registered at the state level
ii. Must be recommended for a loan by the local leadership of the cooperative society/group
iii. Must provide a valid BVN
iv. Must have a verified trade/farming location
v. Must provide valid bank account information.
Proposed Programme for Non-State Actors Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration
into Nigeria ecosystem for prosperity.
Figure 3. National Sustainable Peace empowerment program for Non-State Actors in Nigeria like
Boko Haram, O'odua People's Congress (OPC). Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), and Niger
Delta Militants.
Strategies for investing in and sustaining peace:
i. What lessons of history can help us achieve domestic and global peace and security?
ii. How might we purposefully become less belligerent as a national and a global society?
iii. What type of investments will ensure a greater level of tranquility for future generations?
iv. What strategies might educational institutions launch (and sustain) to enhance long-term
peace studies and action?