Pacemedia Foundation Unveils Development Agenda, Rallies Stakeholders for Peace, Youth Empowerment In Ebonyi

‎Against the backdrop of unemployment, youth restiveness, communal conflicts and widening inequality in Nigeria, the Pacemedia Foundation for Youth, Women and Community Development has launched a development agenda to promote peace, empower vulnerable groups and drive community transformation through strategic partnerships.

‎ ‎The Foundation unveiled its vision in Abakaliki on Thursday at an event attended by government officials, development experts, media practitioners, civil society groups, academics, traditional rulers and other stakeholders. ‎ ‎The ceremony also featured the inauguration of its Advisory Board and the unveiling of programmes on peacebuilding, youth leadership, women empowerment, democratic governance, media development and community transformation.

‎ ‎In his keynote address on "Building Partnerships for Sustainable Development," Advisory Board Chairman and development expert, Dr. Ibiam Azu, said collaboration is key to tackling Nigeria's social and economic challenges.

‎ ‎He urged board members to support the Foundation with grants, technical assistance and innovative ideas, adding that the board would provide direction, accountability and measurable impact. ‎

‎Chairman of the occasion and Executive Director of DIG Foundation, Oliver Ajah Chima, described the Founder and CEO of Pacemedia Foundation, Comrade Israel Ekene Mbam, as a committed development practitioner with a strong record of service. ‎ ‎He pledged support for the Foundation and expressed confidence that it would make meaningful contributions to community development in Ebonyi State, Nigeria and beyond. ‎

‎Mbam said the Foundation was created to build peaceful, inclusive and sustainable communities through strategic partnerships, media advocacy and people-centred initiatives. ‎ ‎He said its focus would include peacebuilding, civic education, democratic governance, youth leadership, entrepreneurship, women's empowerment, media development and community transformation.

‎ ‎Tracing the Foundation's roots to 2006, he said the vision grew from his passion for using journalism and mass communication for social change. He called on stakeholders to support the Foundation as a platform for peace, opportunity and improved livelihoods. ‎

‎Goodwill messages from Prof. Ifeyinwa Nsude, Dr. Stephen Elem and NUJ Ebonyi State Chairman, Comrade Samson Nwafor, praised the initiative and urged it to remain committed to peacebuilding and inclusive development.

‎ ‎They also pledged continued collaboration to advance the Foundation's vision of resilient communities built on peace, inclusion, accountability and partnership. ‎