Ambassador Victor Adetolaju, Founder and Executive Director of the Association for Students’ Social Welfare (ASSW), has joined the October 2026 Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP) Ambassador Programme.
His participation comes as he advances a youth-led initiative targeting 50 million Nigerian youths and students ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to a statement issued by ASSW on October 28, 2026, Adetolaju enrolled in the programme through the IEP Learning Hub to strengthen his understanding of evidence-informed peacebuilding, youth development and peaceful democratic participation.
The development aligns with ASSW’s 50 Million Youth Peace Commitment 2027, a campaign being implemented in collaboration with the Nigerian Youth Parliament.
The initiative operates under the slogan, “My Vote, Your Vote, No Fight.”
Campaign Targets 50 Million Nigerian Youths
The 50 Million Youth Peace Commitment 2027 aims to mobilise 50 million Nigerian youths and students across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The campaign also plans grassroots engagement across the country’s 774 Local Government Areas.
Its central message encourages Nigerians to respect political differences without resorting to violence.
“I may vote differently from you, but I will not fight you because of your vote,” the campaign’s message states.
Through digital and physical Peace Pact signings, campus engagement, community outreach and strategic partnerships, the initiative seeks to discourage electoral violence, political intimidation, hate speech and misinformation.
It also aims to encourage young Nigerians to respect every citizen’s right to make independent political choices.
Adetolaju Calls For Peaceful Political Participation
Commenting on his participation in the IEP programme, Adetolaju said peacebuilding must move beyond public declarations to practical action.
He stressed the importance of empowering young Nigerians to protect democratic participation and reject attempts to involve them in electoral violence.
“Peacebuilding must move beyond public declarations to practical action. As Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections, we must empower young people to protect democratic participation, respect political differences and reject attempts to manipulate them into violence. Our goal is to make peaceful participation a conscious commitment among millions of young Nigerians,” he said.
Campaign Seeks Support From National Stakeholders
The initiative is calling on young Nigerians to verify information before sharing it, reject political thuggery, engage in respectful dialogue and encourage peaceful democratic participation.
It has also invited political parties, candidates, government institutions, educational establishments, religious and traditional leaders, civil society organisations, media organisations and private-sector partners to support civic education and social cohesion.
The campaign further welcomes collaboration with organisations working on youth engagement, electoral peace and responsible citizenship.
IEP Programme To Strengthen Local Peacebuilding Efforts
The Institute for Economics & Peace is internationally recognised for its research on peace, including the Global Peace Index and Positive Peace Framework.
These research initiatives examine conditions that help societies prevent violence and establish lasting peace.
According to ASSW, Adetolaju’s participation provides an opportunity to connect international peacebuilding knowledge with practical, youth-led initiatives in Nigeria.
The campaign emphasises that its objective is not to make young Nigerians support the same political candidates but to encourage peaceful coexistence despite political differences.
About The 50 Million Youth Peace Commitment 2027
The 50 Million Youth Peace Commitment 2027 is a youth-led, non-partisan peace and civic engagement initiative implemented by the Association for Students’ Social Welfare in collaboration with the Nigerian Youth Parliament and other participating partners.
The initiative seeks to promote peaceful democratic participation ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
Its message is captured in the slogan:
My Vote. Your Vote. No Fight.
Different Votes. One Nigeria. One Future.