By Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka
Abuja
The Old Parade Ground, Abuja, came alive on Wednesday as PATDI–Telecom African Teens Network staged a historic 3-in-1 event to mark its 4th anniversary, celebrate the birthday of its CEO and Convener, Ambassador Princess Anita B.C. Umeweni, and unveil the Vision 2035 Ten-Year Goal Project themed “Crime-Free Society Is Possible Among Teenagers.”
The highlight of the ceremony was the official take-off of the National Peace Walk, a flagship advocacy initiative designed to promote a crime-free culture among Nigerian teenagers. The walk, which commenced from the Old Parade Ground, drew volunteers, youth groups, and representatives of key government agencies committed to teen development and national security.
Agencies present included the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, the Universal Basic Education Board, and the Secondary Education Board. In their goodwill messages, officials stressed the need for sustained, multi-sector collaboration to shape the character and future of young Nigerians, pledging institutional support for PATDI’s vision.
Chairman of the event, former Inspector General of Police, Dr. Sir Mike Okiro, was unavoidably absent. However, a message delivered on his behalf reaffirmed his strong commitment to youth development and echoed the event’s core message that a crime-free society among teenagers is achievable with deliberate action.
The gathering also attracted National Youth Service Corps members, youth organization representatives, PATDI ambassadors, and other stakeholders who voiced solidarity with the initiative. Many described the Peace Walk as a timely intervention to steer teenagers away from crime through mentoring and positive engagement.
Addressing participants, Ambassador Princess Anita Umeweni called the day a defining moment in PATDI’s journey. She restated the organization’s dedication to mentoring, advocacy, and empowering teenagers to make responsible life choices, noting that Vision 2035 provides a clear roadmap for the next decade.
Messages of support from UBEB, SEB, and the Ministry of Women Affairs aligned with PATDI’s mission to build a safer, more responsible generation. The Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly also sent a goodwill message, urging stakeholders to take ownership of youth-focused initiatives and sustain collaboration for national security and development.
The Peace Walk signals the start of a series of activities under PATDI’s 10-year strategic plan, anchored on the organization’s slogan: “We Must Get It Right.” As the event closed, participants expressed optimism that with consistent effort and partnership, a crime-free society among teenagers is not only possible but within reach.
