Former President Obasanjo Urges African Youth to Champion Peace and Dialogue

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has called on African youth to prioritize dialogue over conflict and violence in resolving differences, emphasizing the destructive consequences of strife on lives and property. Speaking at a youth leadership symposium themed “Opportunities for Peace: Roles of the Youths in Conflict Prevention in Africa,” held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Obasanjo stressed the need to instill a culture of peace and security among the youth.

Highlighting the importance of embracing love, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence, Obasanjo urged the youth to reject narratives of hatred and negative attitudes that breed conflicts. He emphasized that the youth, who are leaders of today, must actively promote peace and resist being manipulated as agents of destabilization.

Obasanjo emphasized the necessity of nurturing the youth in the values of peace and fellowship, citing biblical examples such as Esther and Joseph who played crucial roles in securing their communities. He underscored the power of conversation and dialogue in resolving conflicts, referencing Nigeria’s experience during the civil war as a testament to the efficacy of peaceful resolution.

Encouraging resilience in the face of life challenges, Obasanjo admonished against the ungodly act of suicide, advocating for seeking divine intervention and drawing inspiration from past successes. He also suggested learning from countries like Zimbabwe in tackling economic challenges, emphasizing the importance of seeking solutions through international collaboration.