Youth Council Demands Rehabilitation of Conflict Affected Communities In The North-East

-Special Report-

NORTH-EAST INFRASTRUCTURE - Youth Council Demands Rehabilitation of Conflict-Affected Communities

In the wake of prolonged insurgency and socio-political instability across Nigeria’s North-East region, youth-led organizations have intensified their calls for comprehensive rehabilitation of communities devastated by conflict.

The North East Youth Initiative for Development (NEYIF), a prominent youth council operating in the region, has emerged as a vocal advocate for rebuilding infrastructure and restoring livelihoods in areas ravaged by violence, particularly those affected by Boko Haram’s insurgency.

The Youth Council’s demand centers on a multi-pronged approach to rehabilitation, emphasizing the urgent need for government and international partners to prioritize the reconstruction of essential infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, roads, and water systems. These facilities, once the backbone of community life, have been systematically destroyed or rendered inoperable due to years of armed conflict. NEYIF argues that without these foundational services, displaced populations cannot safely return or rebuild their lives.

Beyond physical infrastructure, the Council underscores the importance of psychosocial and economic recovery. Many communities have suffered not only material losses but also deep psychological trauma. NEYIF has called for expanded mental health services, vocational training, and youth empowerment programs to address the emotional scars and economic stagnation that linger in post-conflict zones. Their advocacy includes initiatives like cash-for-work programs and healthcare enrollment for orphans, which have already shown promising results in areas such as Babbangida and Yobe State.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Government of Japan, has responded to some of these calls through its Early Recovery Project. This initiative has delivered livelihood support, agricultural tools, and skills training to thousands of affected individuals.

In communities like Ajiri in Borno State, farmers who once struggled to cultivate land due to insecurity and lack of equipment now report increased yields and renewed hope. The project’s holistic model, combining infrastructure rebuilding with social cohesion efforts, has been praised by local leaders and youth advocates alike.

However, challenges remain. The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) reports that efforts to reintegrate ex-combatants through the Operation Safe Corridor Programme have met resistance from local communities.

Many residents feel that rehabilitation should first focus on victims and affected families before addressing the needs of former insurgents. This sentiment reflects a broader tension between peacebuilding and justice, and highlights the need for inclusive dialogue and trust-building between stakeholders.

In conclusion, the Youth Council’s demand for rehabilitation is not merely a call for bricks and mortar, it is a plea for dignity, opportunity, and lasting peace. Their message is clear: rebuilding the North-East requires more than policy declarations; it demands sustained investment, community engagement, and a commitment to healing the wounds of war.

As Nigeria charts its path forward, the voices of its youth may well be the compass guiding the way.