Former President Olusegun Obasanjo emphasized the importance of dialogue over violence in resolving conflicts in Africa during a youth leadership symposium held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta. Addressing attendees, including 22 Special Advisers and heads of government agencies, Obasanjo underscored the need to instill a culture of peace and security in African youth, urging them to champion peace rather than perpetuate violence.

Obasanjo lamented the prevalence of negative narratives and attitudes that breed conflicts and violence in Africa, calling for a shift towards love, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence. He stressed the crucial role of youth in opposing conflicts and promoting peace across the continent, urging them to embrace dialogue as the preferred approach to conflict resolution.

Highlighting biblical examples of youth making significant contributions to peace, Obasanjo emphasized the importance of inculcating values of kindness, mercy, and forgiveness among young people. He urged them to reject the notion that guns and violence are solutions to conflicts, advocating for dialogue and reconciliation instead.

Obasanjo also addressed challenges faced by African youth, encouraging them to remain resilient and seek divine guidance in overcoming obstacles. He condemned the act of suicide as a response to life's difficulties, emphasizing the importance of confronting challenges with faith and determination.

Furthermore, Obasanjo called for learning from other African countries' experiences in addressing economic challenges, citing Zimbabwe's successful management of galloping inflation. He urged Nigeria to explore strategies for overcoming economic hurdles and solicited insights from countries like Zimbabwe to navigate similar issues effectively.

Meanwhile, Prof. Peter Okebukola, the coordinator of the symposium and former Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, emphasized the event's significance in empowering African youth as agents of positive change. He underscored the importance of meaningful youth involvement in peace-building efforts, emphasizing the need for inclusive policies and international collaboration to foster a more peaceful and harmonious society.

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