The Nigerian Diaspora Direct Investment Summit and the African Diaspora Direct Investment Summit have announced plans to establish a Conflict Resolution Centre in Abuja, named after former President Olusegun Obasanjo. According to Bimbo Folayan, Executive Director of NDDIS/ADDIS, the centre will serve as a hub for national dialogue, peacebuilding, and democratic engagement.
The announcement was made during a news conference at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta. Folayan revealed that land for the project has been secured opposite the National Open University in Abuja, with development set to commence after the official launch on November 27. The event will be chaired by a respected African president and attended by President Bola Tinubu, governors, and international dignitaries.
The conflict resolution centre is intended to be Nigeria’s version of Chatham House, a renowned institution for independent analysis and debate. The centre’s establishment is part of a broader effort to promote sustainable development and peace across Africa, building on the legacy of Olusegun Obasanjo’s visionary leadership and conflict resolution efforts.
In conjunction with the centre’s launch, a new book titled “The Conflict Resolution Strategies of President Olusegun Obasanjo” will be released. The book, comprising 20 chapters and 380 pages, documents Obasanjo’s conflict resolution strategies and his pivotal role in mediating peace across Africa. The publication is the latest volume in the Eminent Nigerians series and is a testament to Obasanjo’s enduring influence on the continent.
The project is a collaboration between NDDIS, ADDIS, the Olusegun Obasanjo Leadership Institute, and the African Leadership Foundation. By establishing the conflict resolution centre, these organizations aim to strengthen democracy through dialogue, reflection, and respect, and to promote a culture of peaceful conflict resolution in Nigeria and beyond. With the official launch scheduled for November 27, the centre is poised to become a significant hub for peacebuilding and democratic engagement in Africa.