Collective Effort Needed to Stop Nigeria’s Economic Challenge, Says ASDIR

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The African School of Diplomacy and International Relations (ASDIR) has said that the collective efforts of all was needed to achieve meaningful economic growth in Nigeria, insisting that without this Nigeria’s economy would continue to witness hiccups.

The Vice Chairman/ Chief Executive of ASDIR, Dr Tunji Asaolu, gave the advice at the 2023 annual public lecture series, induction and conferment of honorary doctorate degree ceremony organised in Abuja by the school.
Asaolu, who is also the Deputy Secretary General, African Affairs, International Society of Diplomats (ISD), said the call had become imperative in order to ensure sustainable progress in the country.

The event, which marked the third edition, had as its theme: “The Political Economy of Nation Building: The World’s Unfinished Business”.
Asaolu said: “To support government efforts to achieve its purpose of representing the people, is the reason we looked at perceived gaps in terms of economic crisis to chart a way forward.

“Critically, we looked at some ways we can be of help in terms of recommending solutions to perceived economic challenges. Then we came up with a topic centered on the political economy of nation building.

“We considered this topic as unfinished business because we will continue to be experiencing economic challenges if all hands are not on deck to tackle issues bordering inequality, socioeconomic crisis, poverty and insecurity.”
He explained that the honorary degrees and fellowship awards were carefully conferred on specific persons based on proven track record of excellence in the society.

He mentioned that the awards, which cut across various fields of endeavour, were conferred through collaboration with Queens University Belfast, United Kingdom, that has the right of conferment.
In his remarks, Chairman, Governing Board of ASDIR, Prof Jonathan Aremu, said the programme was apt, because it will help to boost the capacity of citizens in the area of diplomacy.

He said: “This programme has become necessary for diplomats like those inducted today, to enable them develop the the know-how about best practices and to collaborate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on diplomacy.
“What the school is doing is to position the graduates to contribute meaningfully to government efforts centered on diplomatic activities and ensure Nigeria performs excellently, among the committee of developed nations.

“It is mandatory for countries to abide by ratified international relations, therefore, this ASDIR initiative is to enable Nigerians imbibe international best practices and concepts of diplomacy.”

The keynote speaker Prof Agu Mkpa, former Vice Chancellor, Abia State University, Uturu, described knowledge sharing about diplomacy as apt, saying it will enable people tackle challenges collectively.

According to him, the society that has a sound diplomacy inculcated into its leadership will not experience many conflicts.

“Wherever there is a breakdown of law and order, whenever there is conflict, the first thing people consider is the breakdown of diplomacy.

“So what ASDIR is doing for Nigeria actually is a very key role in bringing peace to this country. All over the world, diplomacy is rated as the number one tool to advocate peace wherever there is conflict,” Mkpa said.

The high point of the event, was the conferment of 10 honorary fellowships and award of 10 honorary doctorate degrees to distinguished personalities and induction of 40 persons into the ASDIR.

The event was chaired by Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, Majority Leader of the 10th Senate, represented by Dr Sadiyat Adepoju.

It attracted dignitaries including Rev. Sam Oye, Founder/Lead Pastor of the Transformation Church and Dr Temitope Enitan-Ogunwusi, Wife of the Ooni of Ife, as awardees, among others.