Obasanjo Approves Establishment of National Conflict Resolution Centre in Abuja

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has given formal approval for the establishment of the Olusegun Obasanjo Centre for Conflict Resolution, a landmark initiative aimed at strengthening peacebuilding, dialogue, and democratic engagement in Nigeria.

The announcement was jointly made by the Nigerian Diaspora Direct Investment Summit (NDDIS) and the African Diaspora Direct Investment Summit (ADDIS) during a press briefing at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

According to Bimbo Robert Folayan, Executive Director of NDDIS/ADDIS, the proposed centre will be a world-class institution modeled after Chatham House in London. It will serve as a hub for national dialogue, policy discussions, and conflict mediation across Nigeria and the African continent.

Folayan revealed that land for the centre has already been secured directly opposite the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in Abuja, and development will commence immediately after the official launch scheduled for November 27, 2025.

In partnership with the Olusegun Obasanjo Leadership Institute and the African Leadership Foundation, the centre will promote peacebuilding initiatives, academic research, and leadership development programs designed to equip policymakers, scholars, and civil society leaders with tools for conflict prevention and democratic consolidation.

At the same event, Folayan announced the forthcoming release of a 380-page book titled “The Conflict Resolution Strategies of President Olusegun Obasanjo”, which will be launched alongside the centre. The book, part of the Eminent Nigerians Series, documents Obasanjo’s extensive role in mediating peace across Africa, including his interventions in Liberia, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“This project is more than a book or a centre, it is a movement,” Folayan stated. “It is a call to strengthen our democracy through dialogue, reflection, and respect. We gather to honour one of Africa’s greatest statesmen, whose visionary leadership has shaped Nigeria and promoted peace across the continent.”

He emphasized that the initiative reflects the ongoing efforts of Nigerians in the diaspora to contribute meaningfully to national development. The NDDIS and ADDIS, he said, were established to mobilize diaspora investments, foster good governance, and promote sustainable institutions across Africa.

The Olusegun Obasanjo Conflict Resolution Centre will also collaborate with academic and policy institutions to host international summits, publish research papers, and conduct leadership training focused on peacebuilding

According to Folayan, the official launch event in Abuja will be chaired by a respected African president, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, several state governors, and international dignitaries expected to attend.

Professor Adedeji Daramola, Deputy Director of the Olusegun Obasanjo Leadership Institute, described the project as a timely and visionary response to Nigeria’s growing need for structured dialogue and inclusive governance.

“This centre will become a national platform for collective problem-solving,” Daramola noted. “It will nurture a culture of peace, evidence-based policymaking, and responsible leadership.”

Folayan concluded by saying that the project was conceived not only to honour Obasanjo’s legacy but also to institutionalize dialogue as a tool for nation-building.

“Let us honour our heroes, learn from their wisdom, and build a Nigeria where conflicts are resolved peacefully and leadership is defined by unity, service, and foresight,” he said.

The Olusegun Obasanjo Centre for Conflict Resolution is expected to begin operations in early 2026, marking a new chapter in Nigeria’s pursuit of peace, stability, and democratic progress anchored by both local and diaspora collaboration