The Nigerian government has committed to fully supporting Maryam Bukar Hassan, the newly appointed United Nations Global Advocate for Peace, in her mission to foster unity and peace across the world.
Speaking in Abuja on Monday, Vice President Kashim Shettima hailed the appointment of Maryam a Nigerian spoken word artist and peace advocate as “well deserved.” She is the first person to assume the role within the UN’s entire Peace and Security Pillar.
Receiving her and her team during a courtesy visit to his office at the Presidential Villa, the Vice President praised her consistency in peace advocacy, referencing her viral video Violence Has No Religion.
“That is the Nigeria of our dream,” Shettima said. “I have watched that particular video more than a hundred times because it is very inspiring. Maryam has been consistent, and her resolve to align with the challenges and aspirations of her home state, Borno, is equally commendable.”
Assuring her of the federal government’s unwavering backing, Shettima stressed that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which he described as “pro-youth,” would do everything possible to support her cause.
“Be rest assured, Maryam, that you are not alone. We are in this together. Whatever support you need, we will provide. You are promoting peace, you are promoting unity, and that is worth aligning with,” he stated.
Maryam, also known as Alhanislam, said her primary duty as UN Global Advocate for Peace is to spread the message of peace globally, starting from her home country, Nigeria. She appealed for collaboration with the federal government to create an enabling environment for her advocacy projects.
“Nigeria is grappling with many security challenges, and while my work is global, I want to begin at home,” she explained. “We are here to showcase what we have been doing and to explore how we can work together, because this is not something we can do alone.”
According to her team, the peace initiative will focus on building coalitions of young voices worldwide. Over the next two years, they plan to work with other creatives around the globe to share knowledge and strategies for fostering peace.
