Taoreed Abdullahi
African countries have been urged to foster synergy through good governance, security, and community-based conflict resolution mechanisms in order to promote economic growth, political stability, and human development across the continent.
This call was made during the 14th edition of the Pan African Leadership Symposium and Honours (PALESH NIGERIA 2025), organized by the United Nations International Peace and Governance Council (UNIPGC), Africa, held in Victoria Island, Lagos.
The symposium, themed “Adaptive Leadership and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Mechanisms for Consolidating Peaceful Co-existence in Africa”, brought together leaders and stakeholders from across the continent to explore homegrown solutions to Africa’s pressing challenges.
Speaking during a session on “Mediation, Reconciliation, and ADR Mechanisms,” Professor Roland Otaru explained that Alternative Dispute Resolution encompasses non-judicial methods such as mediation, arbitration, negotiation, and reconciliation. He emphasized the importance of returning to these traditional African methods to prevent political and territorial disputes from escalating into violence.
Using conflicts in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Rwanda as case studies, Professor Otaru urged African leaders to adopt dialogue-based conflict resolution approaches, rooted in African heritage, to build lasting peace.
In a presentation on the “Nexus between Good Governance, Security, and Nation-Building,” Senator Grace Folashade Bent, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Council at the University of Jos, stressed the shared responsibility of both citizens and leaders in creating systems that promote inclusive governance, reduce poverty, and uphold human rights.
Also speaking, retired Major General Dayo Olukoju, former Commandant of the Nigerian Army Signal Corps, warned of the security threats confronting the continent—from terrorism and violent crime to transnational conflict. He emphasized the role of a stable, secure environment in attracting investments and achieving human development goals.
Both speakers emphasized the need for African countries to harness their cultural and ethnic diversity as tools for social cohesion and economic progress, rather than division.
Ambassador Marshal Jonathan Ojadah, Convener of UNIPGC Africa and its 2nd Global President, highlighted the objective of the symposium: to provide a knowledge-sharing platform for African youth and leaders to champion peace, good governance, and poverty eradication.
He called on African leaders to leverage the continent’s cultural richness and ethical values as instruments for unity, innovation, and sustainable development.
The event also featured a series of interactive dialogues, awards to distinguished personalities for societal impact, and the induction of new council members.
Dignitaries in attendance included the representative of the President of Burkina Faso, 2025 Côte d’Ivoire presidential candidate Ousmane Camara, former Sierra Leone Minister of Culture and Tourism Mrs. Pratt Memunnatt, and other notable African leaders.