Abeokuta (Nigeria): The Nigerian Diaspora Direct Investment Summit (NDDIS) and the African Diaspora Direct Investment Summit (ADDIS) say plans are on the way to establish a Conflict Resolution Centre in Abuja.
Mr Bimbo Folayan, Executive Director, NDDIS/ADDIS, disclosed this during a news conference at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta on Monday.
According to Folayan, the centre will be named after former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
The executive director noted that land for the project had already been secured, directly opposite the National Open University in Abuja.
He also hinted at the launch of “The Conflict Resolution Strategies of President Olusegun Obasanjo”, the latest volume in the Eminent Nigerians series.
He noted that the establishment of the Olusegun Obasanjo Conflict Resolution Centre would be Nigeria’s own version of Chatham House.
“Today, we gather to honour one of Africa’s greatest statesmen, Olusegun Obasanjo, whose visionary leadership and remarkable conflict resolution efforts have shaped Nigeria and advanced peace across our continent.
“Our organisation, NDDIS and ADDIS, was established to mobilise diaspora investments and foster sustainable development across Africa.
“In partnership with the Olusegun Obasanjo Leadership Institute and the African Leadership Foundation, we are proud to celebrate a leader whose influence and achievements transcend generations.
“The forthcoming book, comprising about 380 pages across 20 chapters, meticulously documents Obasanjo’s conflict resolution strategies and his pivotal role in mediating peace across Africa,” he said.
Folayan explained that the proposed centre would serve as a hub for national dialogue, peacebuilding and democratic engagement.
“Land for the project has already been secured directly opposite the National Open University in Abuja, and development will commence immediately after the official launch on Nov. 27 in Abuja.
“The event will be chaired by a respected African president and attended by President Bola Tinubu, governors and international dignitaries,” he said.
The executive director stated that the project was more than a book or a centre, saying that it was a call to strengthen democracy through dialogue, reflection and respect.
“Let us honour our heroes, learn from their wisdom, and build a Nigeria where conflicts are resolved peacefully and where leadership is defined by vision, unity, and service,” he said.
