Peace and Environment: NGO Inaugurates Club, Trains Facilitators in Bayelsa State

In line with its vision of sustainable peace and environmental justice, a not-for-profit and non-governmental organization, Center for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ) initiated the “Catch Them Young” programme towards making the youths self-confident, self-employed, as well as skilled and high quality leaders now and in the future.

The initiative is currently running in the North Central and South South geo-political zones of Nigeria with a plan to expand it to other zones.

Today 1st February, 2020 marks the inauguration of Bayelsa State Peace and Environmental Club in the three Senatorial Districts of that State, with a pilot programme in Tombia Community and Ekpetiama Comprehensive High School, Tombia in Yenagoa LGA; Ogbia Town and Government Secondary School in Ogbia Community in Ogbia LGA, as well as Community Secondary School and Aghoro Community in Ekeremor LGA of Bayelsa State.

The National Coordinator of CEPEJ, Comrade Sheriff Mulade, represented by the NGO's Corporate Manager, Admin and Finance, Mrs. Tina Agidi, commended the various schools and communities for keying into and supporting the Peace and Environment Club initiative of CEPEJ.

Accordin

g to him, PEC was meant to promote a culture of peace and sustainable environmental best practices among young people in Nigeria. He said the PEC Initiative gives the youths a safe space within which to acquire skills that will help them navigate the challenges of everyday life, and also develop into productive, healthy and responsible adults.

This he said, would further enhance their self-esteem, a major key to success in life, describing self-esteem as a vital and fundamental factor for youths to be happy and successful.

The community leade

rs and school authorities commended CEPEJ for establishing the Peace and Environment Club in their various communities and schools.

A representative of the Bayelsa State Ministry of Education, Mr. Akuna Oweilayefa inaugurated the club in the selected schools, while some community leaders inaugurated the community chapters of PEC.

After inaugurating the Club, CEPEJ’s Programmes Manager, Mr. Samuel Ideh and Bayelsa State Coordinator of the PEC, Mrs. Ato Alfreder trained the community and school facilitators, using the National Stability and Reconciliation Programme Manual, and the CEPEJ Environment Manual.