The International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and when Conducive to Terrorism is a global call to address the root causes that fuel violence and insecurity. Observed in 2026 amid complex humanitarian and development challenges, the Day underscores the importance of prevention, through inclusion, education, protection, and opportunity, especially for children and young people. For Nigeria, Africa, and the world, it is a reminder that peace is built long before violence begins.
The Impact of Violent Extremism
Violent extremism continues to devastate lives and communities. In Nigeria and across Africa, it has disrupted education, weakened health systems, forced displacement, and eroded social cohesion. Children and adolescents are disproportionately affected, exposed to recruitment risks, trauma, interrupted learning, and limited futures. Globally, violent extremism deepens inequality, undermines development gains, and threatens the realization of children’s rights. Its impacts are felt across borders, demanding collective, prevention-focused responses.
Plan of Action
Commemorating the Day, LPF Country Director, Engr. Emmanuel Orubor emphasized the need to balance innovation with responsibility.
“In the age of new and emerging technologies, prevention must evolve just as rapidly as the threats we face. Digital platforms can either divide communities or unite them. Our responsibility is to harness technology for peace, inclusion, and opportunity, especially for young people,”
“Violent extremism thrives where there are exclusions, misinformation, and hopelessness within a population. By investing in education, digital literacy, child protection, and youth empowerment, we can build resilience against harmful ideologies and safeguard the future of our communities.”
LPF’s prevention strategy focuses on:
- Promoting digital literacy and critical thinking to counter misinformation and online radicalization.
- Expanding access to quality education and skills development, including technology-driven learning opportunities.
- Strengthening child protection and safeguarding systems to reduce vulnerability to recruitment and exploitation.
- Supporting community dialogue and social cohesion, both offline and online.
- Partnering with government, civil society, and technology stakeholders to develop responsible, inclusive digital ecosystems.
- Adopting integrated humanitarian, development, and peace approaches that address structural drivers of instability.
A Collective Responsibility
As Nigeria, Africa, and the global community navigate an increasingly digital world, LPF reiterates that preventing violent extremism requires coordinated, sustainable, and innovative actions. Technology must be leveraged as a tool for empowerment rather than division.
On this International Day, LPF reaffirms its commitment to protecting children, strengthening communities, and working with partners to build resilient societies where peace, dignity, and opportunity prevail.
