By Muyideen Aliyu, Ilorin
The Director-General of the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS), Ilorin, Comrade Issa Aremu, has called on global leaders to return to diplomacy and reconciliation in resolving international conflicts.
He warned that the world risks sliding deeper into destructive wars if dialogue is abandoned in favor of military confrontation.
Speaking with journalists at the 5th Ramadan Lecture of the MINILS Muslim Community, Aremu reflected on the escalating crises in the Middle East and their broader implications for Africa and Nigeria.
According to him, recent events have reinforced the importance of patient diplomacy over retaliatory politics.
He referenced former United States President Barack Obama’s approach to global conflict resolution as evidence that restraint and negotiation often achieve more lasting peace than tit-for-tat actions.
“It may not always be popular to resist the temptation of retaliatory actions,” Aremu said. “But nation-building is not a popularity contest. Dialogue, negotiation, and compromise remain the best options for any nation and indeed for the world.”
Lamenting the war of attrition in parts of the Middle East, he stressed that violence has turned once-thriving cities into theaters of destruction.
He argued that conflicts rooted in power struggles, domination, and resources would never deliver lasting solutions.
Drawing lessons from history, Aremu cited Nelson Mandela, noting that reconciliation and forgiveness were central to South Africa’s successful transition from apartheid to democracy.
He urged that institutions such as the United Nations must be strengthened to prevent a repeat of the devastation witnessed during the Second World War.
Turning to Nigeria’s domestic landscape, Aremu observed that recent elections in the Federal Capital Territory and various states show that reforms to the electoral process are yielding results.
While describing the Electoral Act as a work in progress, he called for the effective deployment of technology alongside robust contingency plans.
He emphasized that the ultimate goal of elections must be good governance, urging political actors to shift their focus from mere victories to substantive debates on power supply, security, education, and healthcare.
Aremu acknowledged slight improvements in economic indicators, such as external reserves and currency stability, but cautioned that these gains remain vulnerable to global shocks.
He reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to democratic values, press freedom, and responsible leadership, noting that sustainable development cannot thrive without a foundation of peace.
