Atomic Reporters supports better factual reporting on the nuclear file. As well as working with media workers we also provide training and opportunities for young people to share and publish their views about the subject of nuclear weapons and related issues. In cooperation with the UN Office of Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), AR is running a series of essays by participants in its Youth Leader Fund fellowship program who visited Nagasaki and Hiroshima last year, Japanese cities attacked with atomic bombs by the US in 1945, the only time such weapons have been used in conflict. The third essay is from Victoria Imaji, youth leader and advocate for sustainability based in Enugu, Nigeria.

Article by guest author Victoria Imaji

Nigeria is a beautiful country, richly blessed with natural resources and bright young minds. As Nigerians, we proudly identify as the giant of Africa, not only because of our population size but also because of the remarkable achievements of many Nigerians around the world. It is disheartening that these positive attributes are being threatened by the increasing trend of armed violence in Nigeria, which affects millions of lives.

Notable examples are the notorious Boko Haram group in the Northeast, and the Niger Delta militants in the southeast. Since 2009, the Boko Haram insurgency has resulted in horrifying bombings and kidnappings, claiming thousands of lives and displacing countless individuals. The Southeast region of Nigeria has also faced numerous challenges related to armed violence since the Biafran War, which took place between 1967 and 1970. A significant issue has been the lack of an effective structure for collecting and destroying weapons, leaving many in circulation and accessible to those inclined toward violence.

The government’s inadequate response to the small arms crisis has further complicated the situation. Insufficient regulatory measures and outdated laws have hindered effective control over the spread of dangerous weapons. As a result, this environment has fostered the rise of illegal arms trading, making small arms a critical factor in the ongoing violence and crime across Nigeria.

My personal commitment to addressing these issues stems from my participation in the UNODA Youth Leader Fund for a World Without Nuclear Weapons programme, which allowed me to visit Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan. There, I witnessed the profound and catastrophic impacts of nuclear warfare firsthand, igniting within me an intense desire to act in my community and across Nigeria.

To create change, I initiated a series of meetings with various stakeholders, including the Enugu State Commissioner for the Environment, the Commissioner of Police, and the Police Public Relations Officer. I also visited the National Centre for Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons in the Southeast. The aim of these engagements was to raise awareness about the urgent need for nuclear disarmament, promote peace and security at the grassroots level, and facilitate tailored training sessions for military personnel, educators, and National Youth Service Corps members.

Additionally, I focused on increasing community participation, particularly within the security and rehabilitation frameworks of conflict-affected areas, which can significantly help identify and address the underlying causes of these violent conflicts. In December 2024, I successfully launched a peace education programme at a local secondary school in my community. With the invaluable support of my fellow Youth Leaders, we conducted virtual learning sessions and established a Peace Education Club aimed at fostering a culture of peace. The school director showed great enthusiasm for our initiative, emphasizing the importance of empowering young individuals to take a stand against arms proliferation and advocate for a world free of nuclear weapons.

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Victoria Imaji is a youth leader and advocate for sustainability based in Enugu, Nigeria, well-known for her environmental activism and leadership in sustainable development projects. Her work focuses on educating and engaging citizens about the importance of sustainability, peace building and climate action. Victoria’s work extends beyond grassroots activism, collaborating with local government bodies, NGOs, and international organizations to support and expand her initiatives. Her dedication has made her a key figure in driving positive environmental change and sustainable development in Enugu State. Follow Victoria on Instagram: @victoria.imaji