The Vice-Chancellor of McPherson University, Ajebo, Ogun State, Francis Igbasan, has called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to remain neutral in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. Speaking at a conference organized by the National Association for Christian Studies, Igbasan emphasized the need for Nigeria to consider its diverse population before taking sides in the war.

According to Igbasan, the Israel-Hamas conflict is a long-standing dispute rooted in land issues rather than religious differences, as some may perceive it. He highlighted that the war has been ongoing for 70 years, with both Israel and Palestine striving for superiority while risking the involvement of neighboring nations such as Iran, Lebanon, and Syria. Igbasan noted that some countries, including the United States and certain Western nations, have declared support for Israel, while others have sided with Palestine.

Expressing his opinion, Igbasan urged President Bola Tinubu not to succumb to pressure from any group to align with either of the warring countries. He advised Tinubu to exercise caution and avoid being swayed by religious sentiments and bigotry. Igbasan emphasized that the conflict should be seen as a geographical (land) war rather than a religious one. He further suggested that nations should explore alternative approaches to international conflict resolution.

The President of the National Association for Christian Studies, Afolorunsho Dairo, also addressed the conference, emphasizing the importance of peace for sustainable development in any nation. Dairo called on stakeholders to collaborate and work towards achieving global peace among nations. He highlighted the need for collective efforts in peace-building initiatives, stating that no individual or organization can single-handedly bring about significant change in society. Dairo stressed that the challenge of promoting peace is particularly acute in Nigeria, and organizations involved in peace-building, human rights, humanitarian assistance, and conflict resolution must earnestly strive to achieve the desired peace.

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