Stakeholders of civil society leaders, media professionals, and security advocates convened in Lagos on Friday, September 19, 2025, to address the growing threat of violent extremism in Nigeria’s Southwest region.
The event, a Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) forum, was organised by the Partnership Against Violent Extremism (PAVE) Network.
The gathering brought together journalists, policy advocates, and peace campaigners to identify the root causes of extremism and develop local solutions to foster peace and stability.
Senator Iroegbu, a media consultant and PAVE coordinator, described violent extremism as a “developmental crisis” fueled by poverty, joblessness, and poor governance.
He warned that when people’s grievances are ignored, it creates fertile ground for radicalization.
“Extremism isn’t always bad; it only becomes dangerous when it turns violent,” Iroegbu stated.
“This forum is about finding community-driven solutions to security challenges, not just discussing them. Security must be local, and we need to revive our traditional systems of vigilance and collective responsibility.”
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Other speakers highlighted specific threats facing the region. Mrs. Precious Igbonwelundu, Assistant News Editor at The Nation, identified ethno-religious tensions, land disputes, cultism, and porous borders as major challenges. She urged journalists to practice responsible reporting that promotes peace instead of inflaming conflict.
Prince Awofeso Rasheed, CEO of the Children and Community Protection Network, pointed to weak data systems, the widespread availability of weapons, and government inaction as significant gaps. He called for educational reforms to steer young people away from divisive ideologies.
Evelyn Usman, a senior correspondent at Vanguard, also stressed the importance of balanced media coverage, warning that sensational reporting can inadvertently glorify violence and embolden perpetrators.
Participants at the forum agreed that combating violent extremism requires a “whole-of-society” approach involving citizens, the media, and government.
They emphasised the need for early-warning systems and proactive measures to de-escalate tensions before they erupt into violence.
The PAVE Network reaffirmed its commitment to building a culture of tolerance and peace, promising to continue its work with communities and stakeholders across Nigeria.
