Peace has become an underrated necessity while terror has gained massive attention such that it now has its visible presence across the 6 geopolitical zones in Nigeria.

It is a case of a child who is so well fed that he is allowed to grow without boundaries while the other is so neglected that he is allowed to remain that illusive. But who finances terror at the detriment of peace? A nation that continues to allow terrorism to grow at the detriment of peace digs its own pit.

It is no longer news that fingers have been pointed at some prominent Nigerians for financing terrorism (terrorists, bandits, Fulani militia and herders). In a surprising twist, some of these individuals are even government officials. Does that mean Government money is being used to promote terrorism? This is a serious question I have been pondering on.

However, while it seems the perpetrators of terrorism are intentional about their agenda, there seems to be no agenda for peace.

The quest for peace and the fight against terrorism cannot be completely abandoned to the Government especially when there are indications to suggest Government mundane approach to combating the menace. In some cases ex Army Generals, Security Advisers and Politicians have been indicted and implicated in bandits wanton escape. There are also many instances where Politicians were seen romanticizing with bandits (Terrorist).

No doubt the terrorists have support both in the Government and private sector. These individuals make funds available for them to buy guns, grenade and every other thing they need for their dastardly acts. Now the question is who are the ones funding peace?

There are organizations whose sole concern is attainment and achievement of sustainable peace. Many have Nobel idea and plan to engineer lasting solution but are paralyzed by lack of funding. So why do we have funds for guns and never have funds for peace?

For organizations like REFOP, it is never lack of what to do but resources to implement. We as a people, the time has come for us to come together and show our alignment. Are we for peace or for terrorism? Those for peace need to so show their commitment for peace projects that peacebuilding organizations never lack resources to fund their projects as it is more profitable to invest in peace than to invest in terrorism!
There is no better time to invest in peace than now. NOW IS THE TIME TO INVEST IN PEACE AND PEACEBUILDING.

Peace has become an underrated necessity while terror has gained massive attention such that it now has its visible presence across the 6 geopolitical zones in Nigeria.

It is a case of a child who is so well fed that he is allowed to grow without boundaries while the other is so neglected that he is allowed to remain that illusive. But who finances terror at the detriment of peace? A nation that continues to allow terrorism to grow at the detriment of peace digs its own pit.

It is no longer news that fingers have been pointed at some prominent Nigerians for financing terrorism (terrorists, bandits, Fulani militia and herders). In a surprising twist, some of these individuals are even government officials. Does that mean Government money is being used to promote terrorism? This is a serious question I have been pondering on.

However, while it seems the perpetrators of terrorism are intentional about their agenda, there seems to be no agenda for peace.

The quest for peace and the fight against terrorism cannot be completely abandoned to the Government especially when there are indications to suggest Government mundane approach to combating the menace. In some cases ex Army Generals, Security Advisers and Politicians have been indicted and implicated in bandits wanton escape. There are also many instances where Politicians were seen romanticizing with bandits (Terrorist).

No doubt the terrorists have support both in the Government and private sector. These individuals make funds available for them to buy guns, grenade and every other thing they need for their dastardly acts. Now the question is who are the ones funding peace?

There are organizations whose sole concern is attainment and achievement of sustainable peace. Many have Nobel idea and plan to engineer lasting solution but are paralyzed by lack of funding. So why do we have funds for guns and never have funds for peace?

For organizations like REFOP, it is never lack of what to do but resources to implement. We as a people, the time has come for us to come together and show our alignment. Are we for peace or for terrorism? Those for peace need to so show their commitment for peace projects that peacebuilding organizations never lack resources to fund their projects as it is more profitable to invest in peace than to invest in terrorism!
There is no better time to invest in peace than now. NOW IS THE TIME TO INVEST IN PEACE AND PEACEBUILDING.

Banditry (Terrorism) has become a new crime economy so lucrative that its sustenance has been established on the suffering of the Nigerian citizen.

Every family member kidnapped by bandits is another million in the pocket of the terrorist. Another million to buy more weapon and further equip their arsenal. This system has become a stubborn bone in the throat of Nigerians particularly those whose unfortunate situation has compelled them to negotiate ransom payments with the bandits. Nigerians whose family member are in the camp of the terrorist must negotiate their release as that is one of the most viable means to secure their release. This particular approach is anathema, because it becomes a necessary evil, a bitter pill that must be swallowed.

We are at a great dilemma, in between the lion and crocodile infested pond, between choosing to withhold ransom from the terrorist and neglecting loved ones at the mercy of demonic fiends who would rather kill them than to release them without ransom. This is the unfortunate situation Nigerians have found themselves, this is how bad Nigeria insecurity situation has degenerated to.

If ransom would not be paid to bandits what then is the alternative? Military action, this is the best approach at remedying this situation. The Military must engage the terrorists(Bandits) without option of negotiation. They must fiercely engage in full action to rescue the victims and exterminate the terrorist. This is the only approach that guarantees long time solution.

If we must continue negotiating with terrorist and paying ransom to them, then we as a people must be prepared to live with the situation for a very long time, for as long as human greed exist because banditry may never end.

We must stop paying ransom to bandits and completely stop negotiating with them. Negotiating with bandits is romanticizing banditry. Every organised peace meeting with terrorist is directly normalizing terrorism and making a shame of intelligence. Terrorists are irrational people they do not reason like us, they do not deserve peace meeting and we do not need to pay ransom to them because every ransom paid to terrorist (bandits) is an indirect funding for terrorism. Ransom payments empower the bandits.

Africa is the continent of the future, next to witness Industrial revolution. With incessant conflict and endemic hostility, the future of the continent look blick but with intentional effort, Peacebuilders can make sustainable peace possible. Be part of the organization with a focus on preparing Africa for the future.

BECOME A CERTIFIED PEACEBUILDER!
Start your journey as a Peacebuilder with Renaissance Foundation for Peacebuilders.
Registration is now open to join our Peacebuilding Training & Membership Program
Gain Skills In:

○ Conflict Prevention &Management
○ Peacebuilding
○ ADR
○ Community Engagement
○ Peace Advocacy
○ Early Warning & Early Response

Membership Benefits:
● Certificate in Peacebuilding
● Official Membership ID
● Access to Field Projects
● Membership Certification
● Leadership Opportunities
● Networking with Peace Actors
● Peacebuilding foreign trips

Who Can Join?

Students • Youth Leaders • Teachers • NGO Volunteers • Community Influencers • Anyone passionate about peace!
Start Your Journey Today!

Click the link👇🏿 below to register

Registration Page – REFOP https://thepeacebuilders.org/registration-page/

This is what Africa need now to achieve sustainable Peace

This project was executed between April 2021 and July 2021. The project was organized, supervised, executed by Renaissance Foundation for Peacebuilders and Jointly funded by Renaissance foundation for Peacebuilders and Hon. Maito Suleiman (A member of Ondo state House of Assembly). This report is an appraisal, evaluation and narration of the successes of the project with a view to providing credible template for future projects with similar objectives. The Renaissance Foundation for Peacebuilders 2021 Educational Project for underprivileged students was intended to fulfill the promise affirmed in Nelson Mandela Words that Education is the only powerful Weapon which can be used to change the world and also to improve on teacher’s effort of raising tomorrow champions and future leaders for nation building. The project was conceived and initiated for intending UTME candidates, disadvantaged or underprivileged students whose parent are not financially buoyant enough to enroll them for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination. The project was divided into two sections. The first section is the first phase of the program which connote registration and sharing of UTME Forms to some selected indigent students. The second phase of the program focuses on free tutorial/coaching centres which was opened to all student including those whose parent are capable of taking care of their lessons fee. The program was launched in 15th of April 2021, attendees were informed about the modus operandi of the program and general information concerning eligibility for the free UTME form and tutorial centres. Emphasis was drawn to things the students need to know concerning their registration and when, how and what (time and subjects) of the tutorial program. It was expressly stated that 110 candidates will be benefiting from the free Jamb form.

Registration of UTME Candidates

On 19th of April 2021, registration of selected intending UTME candidate began at Opeoluwa CBT centre Alapata, along Local Government Secretariat, Ikare Akoko. The programme commenced with the registration of the first batch of UTME candidates who had successfully generated their profile code as were informed and physically present at the registration center. No student was given Cash equivalent of the UTME form, all the selected students were all registered and given their registration details. They were all formerly informed that the registration will take place at Opeoluwa CBT centre because that is the only designated CBT centre accredited and designated for UTME registration in Akoko North west where the beneficiaries were drawn from. After the initial list containing the names of the Beneficiaries, another list was made available where the names of the students and their profile code were recorded. This was done to generate accurate data as those who had successfully generated their profile code were considered eligible for registration according to UTME registration guidelines. Those who couldn’t generate their profile code couldn’t be registered because registration cannot be done without the generation of profile code. The process which began 19th of April 2021 was brought to a close on 17th of May 2021. A total number of 106 students were successfully registered out of 110 estimated beneficiaries. 4 candidates could not generate their profile code until the deadline for registration. Registration cost per person which is also the monetary value of a single form is 4700, so a sum of 4700 naira was paid to registered each students. In total, 498, 200 (Four Hundred and Ninety-Eight thousand, two hundred naira only) was expended for the purchase of 106 UTME forms for 106 candidates. 18800 (Eighteen thousand Eight Hundred) naira which is the value for four unclaimed forms is to be remitted by the coordinator of this program. The names of successful registered candidates are recorded in an excel sheet attached to this document. The excel sheet contain: 1} Names of the successfully registered candidates, 2} Phone number and 3} profile code of the successfully registered candidates. The three column in the excel sheet were considered necessary for easy identification, verification and confirmation. The profile code was added because it was expected that only those who generated their profile code were registered. The phone number did not take a zero because zero cannot start a list of number on excel sheet, so it should be assumed that each number begin with a zero even if zero are not physically attached. However, candidates from Okeagbe community do not have phone number attached to their names because their phone numbers were not provided in the primary list generated by the ward leaders (Ward 3 and ward 4).

Registration of UTME Candidates

The tutorial began on 19th of April 2021. It took place in four designated centres within Akoko North West constituency one. The centers are Akoko Anglican Grammar School, community High school Ikaram, Okeagbe High School, and Comprehensive High Ajowa. Each centre has a coordinator who report daily to the supervisor of the program on the unfolding of event at the various centers, discussing challenges, needs, want and serves as channel of feedback. the need for coordinator was considered necessary because the supervisor cannot possibly be stable at all the designated centers (physically present at the same time in all the centers). The supervisor visits each of the center twice a week on rotational basis, the supervisor also appoint an assistance who help with the overall supervision when the supervisor is not around. During the first four weeks of the program, there were impressive turnout in Ako Grams, Okeagbe High school and Ikaram Community High school but there was low turnout in Ajowa High School. A total of 60-70 students attend the tutorial centre at Akoko Anglican grammar school on daily basis. The population of student at Okeagbe High school range between 60-70, sometimes during general class like English, class is divided into two because a single class room couldn’t contain the students. At Community High school, the population of students range between 30-59, while at Ajowa Population of students do not exceed 40. The activities that commenced in 19th of April 2021 lasted for two months as it was rightly stated in the proposal that guided the execution of this project. The tutorial came to an end on 12th of June 2021, at the scheduled time and date earmark for the program.

CHALLENGES/SHORTCOMING

There were not much challenges except the few ones that shall be mentioned here. Some of the challenges encountered are: Lackadaisical and Lackluster Attitude of Some Student Towards Learning: The inertia and loathsomeness exhibited by some of the students (though expected but not in the magnitude of what was experienced) weakened their level of assimilation. Students are becoming nonchalant towards education and many are becoming indolent to learning, the reason for this couldn’t be separated from the conditions that somewhat makes education worthless, worthless relatively to those who couldn’t see education as a guarantor of something more important than money. Apparently a larger percentage of our population suffer from this selective bias and prejudice. This situation actually reduces the cognitive ability of the students which practically made the teachers to be emphatic and their work tedious. Poor Academic Foundation: it was discovered during the cause of this program that most of the secondary schools in Akoko lack teachers, most of the school don’t have teachers in core subjects. For instance, Akoko Anglican Grammar school do not have mathematics teacher, English Teachers, Physics and the list continues. There were nine PTA teachers in Akoko Anglican Grammar school, their remuneration is just 20,000 thousand naira Monthly. They work with little or no motivation, they lament lack of job as one of the reason they took the job. At Okeagbe High school, there were no physics teacher, Chemistry teachers, literature teachers, English teachers etc, the school also has nine PTA teachers who do their work with little or no supervision. Community High school Ikaram and Comprehensive High school Ajowa, Ajuwa High schools, all these school lack a minimum of Nine teachers and rely solely on PTA teachers to meet up with the shortage of manpower. This malady actually impacted the student negatively as most of them exhibit a complete oblivion to new topic. There was nothing to improve or build on but we have to start from the scratch, building the foundation of new topic from the very beginning. We got jamb syllabus on all subjects for the teachers and stretch the topics within two months of four weeks to make sure no stone was left on turn. Materials were also made available to the teachers and they lack nothing necessary for their work except that their remuneration were delayed. Delay of Teachers’ fee. Delay of teacher’s fees weakened the teachers’ morale, it took a lot of effort to motivate them and keep them on the job throughout the duration of the program. Lack of Adequate Finance to Run the Project.

At the heart of every peaceful society are individuals equipped with vision, character, and purpose. That’s why the Renaissance Foundation for Peacebuilders (REFOP) launched the Mentoring Programme—a dynamic initiative designed to raise a new generation of peacebuilders, community leaders, and agents of transformation.

In a world marked by division, misinformation, and rising youth unrest, mentoring is more than guidance—it’s empowerment.

What is the REFOP Mentoring Programme?

The REFOP Mentoring Programme is a structured, intentional platform where experienced leaders and peace advocates invest in the growth of young people. Through one-on-one sessions, group mentoring, leadership training, and community projects, mentees are equipped to lead with empathy, act with integrity, and serve with purpose.

We focus on developing:

• Conflict resolution skills
• Emotional intelligence
• Leadership capacity
• Social responsibility
• Career and life direction rooted in values

Why Mentoring Matters

Mentorship provides what many youths lack: consistent support, positive role models, and access to networks of influence. In many of the communities we serve, young people face peer pressure, unemployment, and identity crises. The REFOP Mentoring Programme offers a safe space to grow, learn, and redefine what success means—not just for the individual, but for their community.

Stories of Impact

Take Mariam, a secondary school student who once struggled with low self-esteem and peer bullying. Through the REFOP Mentoring Programme, she found her voice, gained leadership skills, and now coordinates a peace club in her school.

Or David, a university graduate who was uncertain about his path. His mentor helped him discover his passion for community development. Today, he leads local dialogue initiatives and mentors others in return.

Each story is a ripple of hope, reaching further than we can imagine.

More Than Mentorship—A Movement

Our mentors aren’t just instructors—they’re role models who walk the talk. And our mentees aren’t just learners—they are emerging leaders who will shape the future of their neighborhoods, cities, and nations.

The REFOP Mentoring Programme is more than a project. It’s a movement of trust, transformation, and hope.

Get Involved

Are you passionate about youth development, peacebuilding, and leadership? You can:

• Become a Mentor and invest in the next generation
• Register as a Mentee to grow your skills and impact
• Support the Programme through donations or partnerships

Together, we can raise leaders who will not only dream of a better world—but build it.

#REFOPMentorsChangeLives
#LeadWithPeace
#RenaissanceForPeace

Building Peace from the Ground Up: REFOP’s Community Engagement in Action

At the Renaissance Foundation for Peacebuilders (REFOP), we believe that peace is most powerful when it begins at the grassroots. True transformation doesn’t come from the top down—it starts in our streets, schools, homes, and hearts. That’s why community engagement is at the core of everything we do.

What Does Community Engagement Mean to REFOP?

For us, community engagement is more than just outreach—it’s partnership. It means listening first, working alongside local leaders, and co-creating solutions that reflect the real needs of the people. Whether we are mediating local conflicts, facilitating peace education, or training young peace advocates, we make sure every voice counts.

Our Approach to Community Engagement

REFOP uses a participatory approach, ensuring that every initiative is inclusive, culturally relevant, and community-owned. Here’s how we make it happen:

• Community Dialogues & Listening Forums
  We bring people together across lines of division—religious, ethnic, political—to talk honestly, share stories, and rebuild trust.
• Peace Clubs and Youth Circles
  Young people are empowered to lead their peers in creating a culture of peace within schools and neighborhoods.
• Women in Peacebuilding
  We actively involve women in decision-making processes, recognizing their critical role in fostering unity, healing, and community care.
• Skill-Building Workshops
  Communities are equipped with conflict resolution, mediation, and leadership skills to reduce violence and promote collaboration.

Impact on the Ground

In communities where tension once thrived, we’ve seen signs of hope and healing. Local disputes that could have turned violent have been resolved through dialogue. Youth once caught in cycles of aggression now lead peer-mentoring programs. Women once silenced now speak boldly in town meetings and lead initiatives of their own.

One community member shared,

“Before REFOP came, we lived in fear of our differences. Now, we sit at the same table and solve problems together.”

That is the power of intentional, people-centered engagement.

Why It Matters

Community engagement is the heartbeat of sustainable peace. Without it, efforts are short-lived and disconnected. With it, change is deep, lasting, and far-reaching. REFOP is committed to being present, walking alongside the people we serve, and fostering a shared vision for peace that includes everyone.

Join the Movement

Peacebuilding is not a spectator sport. Whether you’re a student, a community elder, a business owner, or a concerned citizen—your voice, your effort, your presence matters. Partner with us. Volunteer. Share your story. Together, we can transform communities into places of healing, unity, and hope.

REFOP – Empowering Communities. Building Peace. Creating Hope.

#PeaceBeginsWithUs | #REFOPCommunity | #EngageForPeace

Violence—whether in homes, schools, or communities—remains one of the most urgent challenges facing our world today. At the Renaissance Foundation for Peacebuilders, we believe that peace is not just the absence of violence, but the presence of justice, inclusion, and understanding. Through consistent advocacy and grassroots engagement, we are committed to building safer, more resilient communities—one life at a time.

Raising Voices, Not Fists

Our advocacy efforts center around education, dialogue, and empowerment. We engage with local leaders, young people, women, and marginalized groups to raise awareness about the root causes of violence—poverty, injustice, ignorance, and intolerance. By addressing these underlying issues, we create sustainable pathways to peace.

We organize peace walks, town hall meetings, school seminars, and media campaigns that challenge harmful narratives and promote nonviolent conflict resolution. Our advocacy is about raising voices—not fists—and helping people see that peace is possible, practical, and powerful.

Training Peacebuilders at the Grassroots

One of our most effective tools in reducing violence is training community peacebuilders. These individuals—often youth and local influencers—are equipped with the skills to mediate conflicts, lead dialogue sessions, and promote restorative practices in schools, religious institutions, and public spaces. They are the unsung heroes quietly preventing the next act of violence before it begins.

Policy Engagement and Systems Change

Beyond community-level work, we advocate for systemic change by engaging with policymakers and institutions. We push for reforms in education, justice, and security systems that prioritize prevention over punishment, dialogue over division. Our aim is to create an environment where peace is institutionalized and violence is never an option.

Measuring Our Impact

In the past year alone, our programs have reached over 10,000 individuals across multiple regions. We’ve seen a measurable decline in youth violence in communities where our peace clubs and advocacy campaigns are active. More importantly, we’re witnessing a cultural shift—where conversations around peace, tolerance, and justice are becoming the norm, not the exception.

Join the Movement

Advocacy is not a one-time event; it is a sustained voice for those who cannot speak, and a light in places that have long been darkened by conflict. Whether you volunteer, donate, or share our message, you can be a part of the solution.

Together, with unity and purpose, we can turn the tide against violence and build the peaceful society we all deserve.

#PeaceStartsWithYou
#RenaissanceForPeace
#VoicesForChange

Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) is not inevitable—it is preventable. At its core, SGBV is a product of inequality, power imbalance, and harmful social norms. While responding to survivors is critical, long-term peace and justice can only be achieved through prevention and systemic change.

Understanding Prevention

Prevention means addressing the root causes of violence before it occurs. It involves transforming societal attitudes, empowering vulnerable groups, and building systems that protect and promote gender equity. It’s not just about stopping violence—it’s about creating environments where violence is never an option.

Key Strategies for Prevention and Eradication

1. Education and Awareness
   Promoting gender equality and respectful relationships from an early age is crucial. Schools, communities, and faith-based institutions must be involved in teaching about consent, boundaries, and dignity for all.
2. Community Engagement
   Change begins at the grassroots. Involving local leaders, traditional institutions, and youth in dialogue helps challenge cultural beliefs that normalize violence and silence victims.
3. Strengthening Laws and Policies
   Governments must enact and enforce laws that protect all individuals, especially women and girls. This includes clear legislation on rape, domestic violence, harassment, and child marriage.
4. Empowering Women and Girls
   Economic empowerment, education, and leadership training for women and girls reduce vulnerability to abuse and increase their capacity to advocate for their rights.
5. Involving Men and Boys
   Prevention must include men and boys as allies. Campaigns and mentorship programs can help them unlearn toxic masculinity and become champions for gender justice.
6. Accessible Reporting and Support Systems
   Confidential, survivor-centered services like hotlines, safe shelters, medical care, and legal aid must be available and easy to access for all, especially in rural areas.

The Role of the Renaissance Foundation for Peacebuilders

At the Renaissance Foundation for Peacebuilders, we are committed to a future free from SGBV. Through our peace clubs, outreach campaigns, advocacy programs, and partnerships, we are working tirelessly to shift mindsets, empower communities, and support survivors.

We believe prevention is possible when we all work together—families, schools, faith communities, governments, and civil society.

What You Can Do

• Speak out against violence when you see it.
• Support survivors with compassion and confidentiality.
• Volunteer or donate to organizations fighting SGBV.
• Educate yourself and others about rights and responsibilities.
• Challenge harmful gender norms in your own circles.

Together, We Can End SGBV

Eradicating SGBV is not just a dream—it’s a duty. By preventing violence before it happens and ensuring justice when it does, we build a safer, stronger society for all. Let’s not wait for change. Let’s be the change.