Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has reiterated that dialogue, rather than violence, is the key to resolving African conflicts. Speaking on Monday in Abeokuta at a youth leadership symposium themed “Opportunities for Peace: Roles of the Youths in Conflict Prevention in Africa,” Obasanjo emphasized the need to intensify efforts in instilling a culture of peace and security among the youth.
The symposium, organized by the Centre for Human Security and Dialogue in collaboration with the Institute for African Culture and International Understanding at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, was part of activities lined up for the former president’s 87th birthday on Tuesday, March 5.
Obasanjo urged the youth to champion peace and resist being manipulated or used as agents of violence on the continent. He stressed the importance of promoting love, tolerance, and fellowship instead of fostering narratives of hatred and negativity that lead to conflicts and violence.
According to Obasanjo, instilling the values of peace, including kindness, mercy, and forgiveness, among the youth is crucial for fostering stability and prosperity. He emphasized that dialogue and conversation, rather than guns and violence, are the pathways to resolving conflicts.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s history, Obasanjo highlighted the destructive nature of conflicts, such as the civil war, and emphasized the importance of coming together for dialogue and reconciliation to overcome such challenges.
The symposium’s coordinator, Prof. Peter Okebukola, underscored Obasanjo’s commitment to peace and emphasized the pivotal role that African youth play in achieving peace across the continent. He reiterated Obasanjo’s belief in the youth’s potential to contribute positively to African peace-building efforts.
