LunagisthubEmpowering Youth for Peace: EU and Search for Common Ground Launch “The Hustle Reality Show”
In a bid to address insecurity and promote peace in Nigeria’s North-West, the European Union and Search for Common Ground have launched “The Hustle Reality Show” (Buge Buge), a youth-focused initiative. The program, funded by the EU, will run for over 24 months across Katsina, Zamfara, and Sokoto States, equipping young people with entrepreneurship skills, mentorship, and peacebuilding activities .
The EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, emphasized that the initiative aligns with the EU’s Youth Action Plan, prioritizing engagement with diverse youth, empowerment of marginalized communities, and fostering connections across social and regional divides. “When young people thrive, societies become more resilient. Innovation expands. Communities become safer. And national development accelerates,” he said .
The West Africa Regional Director of Search for Common Ground, Francis Diakanda, noted that high unemployment, social exclusion, and limited opportunities have worsened insecurity in the region. The project aims to counter the structural causes of violence by empowering young people with livelihood skills, business opportunities, and platforms to lead peace efforts in their communities .
The program will feature young entrepreneurs competing in business challenges, mentorship, and peacebuilding activities. The show is designed to inspire millions of viewers and demonstrate that collaboration, tolerance, and innovation can bridge divides and reduce violence. Participants will receive training, mentorship, and up to N100 million seed capital to launch or expand their social impact enterprises .
The initiative seeks to
Empower Youth: Equip young people with entrepreneurship skills and peacebuilding activities
Promote Peace:Foster social cohesion and reduce violence in North-West Nigeria
Support Economic Development: Provide seed capital and mentorship to young entrepreneurs
Inspire Change: Showcase the potential of young people as agents of positive change
By empowering youth and promoting peace, “The Hustle Reality Show” aims to create a more resilient and prosperous future for North-West Nigeria.
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