Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, yesterday, said dialogue, and not gun or any form of violence, would resolve various conflicts in Africa.
He advised that conscious efforts to build and inculcate peace and security must be intensified to spur youths to check unnecessary crises.
Obasanjo stated that that there was nothing wrong in Nigeria reaching out to Zimbabwe to weather prevailing galloping inflation.
He spoke at a symposium themed: “Opportunities for Peace: Roles of The Youths in Conflict Prevention in Africa” organised by Centre for Human Security and Dialogue, in collaboration with Institute for African Culture and International Understanding, as part of activities to mark his 87th birthday in Abeokuta.
Obasanjo explained that rather than encouraging hatred and related vices, “we must begin to embrace love, tolerance and see peace as not negotiable for economic growth and prosperity.”
He said the youths, who he emphasised are no longer leaders of tomorrow but today, must stand firmly against conflicts in any part of Africa.
Programme coordinator and erstwhile Executive Secretary of National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Peter Okebukola, said the essence of the symposium was to strengthen Obasanjo’s drive for African youths to play pivotal roles in achieving peace across the continent.
The Director of Institute for African Culture and International Understanding, Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library submitted: “This event is a testament to the belief that it is not enough to grant young people a seat at the table; their involvement must be vital and meaningful.
“Through targeted interventions, inclusive policies and international collaboration, we aim to empower West African youths as catalysts for positive change, paving way for a more peaceful and harmonious society.”
MEANWHILE, Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has congratulated the ex-leader on his 87th birthday.
In a congratulatory message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, the governor described Obasanjo as an “exceptional, patriotic and committed leader who used the best of his years for the survival, unity, stability and development of not just Nigeria, but the African continent.”
He said at 87, the celebrant has become a living legend and a strong voice within and outside the shores of the country, “considering his outstanding and commendable sacrifices for Nigeria and many African countries.”
