Director -General, (MINNLS), Issa Aremu Calls for Global Diplomacy, Lessons from Africa Amid Middle East Crisis
KEHINDE AKINPELU ILORIN
The Director-General of the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS), Comrade Issa Aremu, has urged world leaders to prioritize dialogue and diplomacy over violence, drawing lessons from Africa’s approach to conflict resolution.
Speaking during the MINILS Muslim Community 5th Ramadan Lecture, Aremu highlighted the ongoing crises in the Middle East, stressing that “dialogue, negotiation, and compromise are the best for the nation and for the world as a whole.”
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He warned that the region’s persistent conflicts, often framed as religious or ethnic disputes, are in reality driven by power, resources, and domination.
Aremu cited the legacy of Nelson Mandela, saying, “There is no future without forgiveness, without reconciliation. Mandela fought against white domination, but he also opposed replacing one oppression with another. That will never work.” He called on global leaders to embrace principled leadership, warning that current crises—from Palestine to Ukraine—reflect a lack of moral direction and constructive governance.
Turning to Nigeria, Aremu praised the recent elections in the Federal Capital Territory and states like Rivers, Kano, and others as evidence that the new electoral act is effective. He noted, “Election is a means; the end is good governance. Beyond electing candidates, we need programs and policy issues that drive development.”
He further stressed the importance of advancing democracy through policy-driven discussions, digital education, youth skill acquisition, and sustainable economic growth. “Nigeria is underperforming; it could do far better. Peace and security, locally and globally, are non-negotiable for development,” he added.
Aremu’s address called for a shift from political quantity to quality, urging both national and international leaders to adopt strategies that promote stability, human development, and cooperation.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, MARCH 5TH 2026)
