Groups meet to deliberate on Nigeria’s better future

The Rebuilding Nigeria Group in collaboration with TETFUND Centre of Excellence and National Association of Public Affairs Analysts (NAPAA) have called for urgent need to rebuild Nigeria, so as to avoid a fatal plunge into the abyss.

Penpushing reports that, this was one of the positions reached at a one-day colloquium held at Olabimiji Conference Hall, Institute of Peace and Strategic Studies, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State Capital, expressing concern about the prevailing socio-economic, security and political situations of the country

The communique issued at the end of the meeting jointly signed by members which include Comrade Jare Ajayi, Mr. Yemisi Olaoye, Mrs. Mobolaji Bankole and Mr. Dayo Ogunbowale resolved that there is need for a national dialogue that will see the country restructured to enhance people’s participation.

Penpushing further reports that, the meeting emphasized that, there is need to return Nigeria to True Federalism as an enduring peace and sustainable development cannot be assured by what is presently operating in the country.

*Need to invest more on conflict prevention, counter insurgency and counter terrorism. This is with a view to enhancing our security architecture. To facilitate this, the democratization of our security system was suggested that may entail the establishment of State and Local Government Policing system.

*Need to ensure that justice is promptly and equally dispensed without regard to the status, ethnic or religious affiliation of those affected. A corollary to this is the need to put an end to the prevalence of impunity as commonly displayed by those in powerful positions.

Penpushing also reports that, the groups in similar vein, submitted that there is need to genuinely battle corruption as it is seriously undermining various efforts at developing the nation, noting that theme of the colloquium, ‘Rebuilding Nigeria for Future Peace and Progress’ is very much in tandem with the Mandate of the Centre.

‘The theme of the Colloquium, ‘Rebuilding Nigeria for Future Peace and Progress’ is very much in tandem with the Mandate of the Centre which revolves around engagements in multi-disciplinary approaches in studying Early Warning Signals. Aspects of the Mandate include, among others, Peace Practice, Conflict Tracking as well as Analysis and Design of Policy Options for Conflict Prevention and Peace-building in Nigeria’.

Penpushing reports that, the participants at the colloquium advocated for a template that will give Nigeria structured in a manner that every part of the country would have a sense of belonging and be able to develop at an enviable pace – an improved replica of what we had when the country was operating on a regional basis.

The colloquium also took note of what is going on presently on the political turf and expressed concern on the conduct and utterances of some politicians as we approach the 2023 general elections, and called for need to shun violence and conduct issue-based campaigns.

Penpushing further reports that, the discussants who spoke in turn were Deacon Owolabi Oladejo, Dr. D. C. Danjibo, Dr. Emma Jimo and Professor O. B. C. Nwolise, and thereafter participants which include Prince Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji(Founder Penpushing Media) expressed their views on different aspects of the ills bedeviling the Nigeria nation.

The participants which also include members of the academia, professionals, opinion moulders, public affairs analysts, students, and high caliber individuals came up with number of suggested solutions, and expressed confidence that the country will soon overcome its challenges – especially if the right leadership emerges to direct its affairs for the next political dispensation.

Penpushing also reports that, Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Professor Kayode Adebowale, was the Chief Host, represented by Dr. B. O. Aluko, Acting Director, Multidisciplinary Studies Centre of the University, while Professor Sina Afolayan was the moderator.

The other notable participants were the former Nigerian envoy to the Philippines, Ambassador Yemi Farounbi, Mr. Adewale Ajakaye (retired Assistant Inspector of Police), Professor Kehinde Ayantayo, Professor Oladokun, Prince Seyi Adeoye, Princess Oyeronke Bolajoko Akinlolu and Mr. Laolu Abogunloko, Professor Solomon Akinola,

Penpushing reports that others include Dr. Jide Ololajulo, Dr. Ruth Adio-Moses, Otunba Moses Alake Adeyemo (former Oyo State Deputy Governor), Mr. Ebika Anthony, Mr. Freeman Okosun, Mr. Rotimi Agboluaje, Mr. John Nwachukwu, Mr. Dayo Ogunbowale, Mr. Onimisi Mayaki, Mrs. Mobolaji Bankole, Mr. Yemisi Olaoye, while  Prince Gbade Adewumi coordinated the programme online from Ghana.

The Dean of the Faculty of Multidisciplinary Studies, University of Ibadan, Professor Isaac Olawale Albert, as Lead Speaker, examined the theme from various angles, while his presentation was laden with instances of when and how peace, unity, nationhood and development of Nigeria have been threatened.

Penpushing further reports that, the lead speaker at the colloquium called attention to prevalent incidences that are pointers to possible worsening of the situation if they are not properly addressed and on time.

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