The Nigeria First Unity Summit 2025 convened in Abuja brought together key government officials, youth leaders, peace advocates, development partners and civil society groups under the powerful theme “Peace, Unity and Security: A Collective Responsibility.” Organized by the City Boy Movement, the Summit emerged as one of the year’s strongest calls for collective action toward restoring peace and strengthening national cohesion.
The event, which featured speeches from influential national figures including Dr. Daniel Bwala, Dr. Musa Babayo, Francis Oluwatosin Shoga, and Mr. Chukwemeka Mbah, sought to realign Nigeria’s national narrative, counteract divisive rhetoric, and mobilize citizens toward shared responsibility for peace and stability.
IPCR Sets the Tone for National Reflection
Delivering the welcome address on behalf of the Director-General of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Dr. Emmanuel Mamman, Director of NPA, underscored the need for sustained dialogue, peace education, conflict prevention, and renewed national unity. He emphasized that the Summit aligns with the IPCR mandate to promote understanding and strengthen the social fabric across Nigeria’s diverse communities.
Dr. Daniel Bwala: “Narratives Can Build the Nation or Break It”
One of the most anticipated highlights of the Summit was the address by Dr. Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to the President on Media & Public Communications.
Dr. Bwala delivered a strong message on the role of responsible communication in national security. He warned that misinformation and divisive narratives have become some of the most dangerous tools used to destabilize nations.
He affirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration remains committed to transparent communication, national unity, and strengthened public trust.
According to him, Nigeria is not engaged in a religious or ethnic war, but a unified fight against criminal elements seeking to undermine the nation.
Dr. Bwala called on youths to leverage their influence on digital platforms responsibly, stating that “the story of Nigeria must be told with truth, with balance, and with dignity.”
In his welcome address, Dr. Musa Babayo, Chairman of the Governing Board of FERMA, highlighted the connection between national security, infrastructure development, and economic progress.
He explained that insecurity not only claims lives, but also disrupts economic activities, transportation corridors, and social integration.
He stressed that unity is not optional for Nigeria’s survival. “Without peace, development is impossible and without collective responsibility, peace is unattainable,” he said.
Dr. Babayo reaffirmed FERMA’s commitment to ensuring safer federal roads, which he described as crucial to military operations, humanitarian efforts, trade, and national cohesion. He urged Nigerians to reject divisive rhetoric and embrace the spirit of responsible citizenship.
On his part, the Director-General of the City Boy Movement, Francis Oluwatosin Shoga, delivered one of the most compelling messages of the Summit with his address titled “Towards a Safer Tomorrow: Nigeria’s Commitment to Stability.”
He stressed that the insecurity affecting different regions is not genocide or ethnic cleansing, but a war against all Nigerians, waged by criminal elements who do not discriminate based on tribe, faith, or region.
Shoga warned the international community against misinterpreting Nigeria’s situation and urged Nigerians to reclaim the national narrative. “We must tell our own story,” he declared. “What we are facing is not North versus South or Christian versus Muslim. This is a national emergency, and we must confront it together.”
He applauded President Tinubu and Nigeria’s security agencies for their ongoing efforts to stabilize the country and encouraged citizens to support governmental and community-level peace initiatives.
Delivering the keynote address, Mr. Chukwemeka Mbah highlighted the critical influence of youths and social media in shaping national identity and public perception. He argued that while digital platforms empower communities, they can also fuel misinformation and political manipulation when misused.
He encouraged the younger generation to become “digital peace ambassadors,” insisting that national unity begins with the content individuals create and share online.
Panel Session: Social Media The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
A vibrant panel session dissected the influence of social media on peace and conflict. Experts addressed issues such as cyberbullying, misinformation, hate speech, and the role of digital platforms in mobilizing young Nigerians for civic participation.
Panelists concluded that while social media is powerful, it must be used responsibly for nation-building.
The Nigeria First Unity Summit 2025 ended with a renewed national commitment to peace, unity, and collective responsibility.
Stakeholders departed with a clear message: Nigeria’s path to stability will be shaped not only by government initiatives, but by the voices, actions, and unity of its people.