Dr Tunji Asaolu, Vice Chairman/CEO of African School of Diplomacy and International Relations (ASDIR) has underscored the need for adequate investment in democracy for sustainable national growth.
Asaolu, also Deputy Secretary-General, African Affairs International Society of Diplomats (ISD) said this during the official ceremony of the ASDIR 2nd edition of the 2022 Annual Public Lecture on Wednesday in Abuja.
The event organised was by ASDIR in collaboration with ESTAM University, the Republic of Benin had the theme: “Democracy, security, governance, and electoral rights: mechanisms to safeguard sustainable development in Africa.”
According to him, the call for investment in democracy is in line with the implementation of the African Charter on democracy, elections, and governance of the African Union.
Asaolu said, “Our School is cognizant of the historical and cultural conditions in Africa; we are desirous to enhance the relevance of declarations and decisions of the AU.
“Including the 1900 Declaration on the political and socioeconomic situation in Africa and fundamental changes taking place in the world, 1995 Cairo Agenda for Re-launch of Africa’s Economic and Social Development.
“1999 Algiers Declaration on Unconstitutional Changes of Government, 2000 Lome Declaration for an OAU Response to Unconstitutional Changes of Government.
“The 2002 OAU/AU Declaration on Principles Governing Democratic Elections in Africa, the 2003 Protocol Relating to the Establishment of the Peace and Security Council of the AU.
“With all these templates, we have no excuse not to have free, fair, and credible elections in any part of Africa if well implemented.”
He reassured that the organisation would remain committed to inculcating and contributing meaningfully to safeguard democracy not just in Nigeria, but also across Africa.
He reiterated that investment in democracy could help to prevent and resolve electoral conflicts and thereby, restore peace, security, fairness, justice, and good governance in the continent.
Speaking, Dr Omojare Omotayo, Registrar/Secretary of the Council, ESTAM University, Benin, said that dedication to quality time in democratic processes through registration and voting could promote national growth.
“Such opportunity is before each and every one of us and there is no one in this world that does not need it, so the opportunity is life and vice versa.
“This institution has established new opportunities in the aspect of knowledge sharing on changing our narratives.
“I believe that as we invest in our democratic growth, we will all enjoy the dividends of a good governance future,” he said.
In his remark, Prof. Edet Ekpeyong, Head of Mission of ISD, urged participants to imbibe tenets of diplomacy to promote good governance in the country.
Ekpeyong said, “Everybody desires good governance anywhere in the world, wherever there is no semblance of good governance, then you cannot in today’s world say that such a country is developed.
So, good governance brings about development, and in bringing about good governance investment in democracy is key to achieve it.”
The high point of the event was the keynote lecture by Prof. Philip Afaha, Director, Abuja Leadership Centre, University of Abuja. As well as, the presentation of honourary Doctorate Degree by ESTAM university and honourary Fellowship Award by ASDIR to distinguished Nigerians.
(NAN)
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