ECOWAS Hosts 2025 Youth Creative Conference on Silencing the Guns in Abuja

By Joylinda Laryea / 5th October 2025

Young leaders from across West Africa gathered at the ECOWAS Commission Headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria, for the 2025 Youth Creative Conference held on 2–3 October 2025. The event, organised in collaboration with the African Union and Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Youth Development, focused on the theme “Silencing the Guns.”

Speaking on behalf of Amb. Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Mr. Piex Joseph Ahoba, Head of Small Arms, underscored the crucial role of young people in achieving peace and stability in the region. He highlighted that with more than 60% of West Africa’s population under the age of 25, youth are not just future leaders but active contributors to peace, democracy, and development today.

The Special Guest of Honour, H.E. Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas, AU High Representative for Silencing the Guns, commended ECOWAS and the Government of Nigeria for their commitment to peacebuilding initiatives. He emphasized that the 2030 goal of silencing the guns in Africa would only be attainable through the meaningful involvement of young people, whom he described as a strategic asset rather than a burden.

The conference brought together youth advocates, policymakers, and stakeholders to exchange ideas, showcase creative solutions, and reaffirm the importance of youth inclusion in peace and security processes across the continent.