African leaders and stakeholders have reaffirmed the crucial link between peace and economic development, calling for unity and collaborative governance to ensure long-term stability and prosperity across the continent.
Speaking at the 14th Pan-African Leadership Symposium & Honours (PALESH) 2025 in Lagos, South-Western Nigeria, Ambassador Afolabi Oke, the Permanent Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, stressed the vital role that peace plays in driving economic growth. He highlighted that national progress is heavily dependent on security, which safeguards lives, property, and the conditions necessary for economic activity.
Ambassador Oke also advocated for the increased involvement of traditional rulers in national security frameworks, describing them as essential partners in sustaining peaceful and stable communities. He emphasised that securing nations should not be left solely to governments, urging all African countries to unite against internal and external threats.
In her keynote address titled “The Nexus Between Governance and Nation Building,” Senator Grace Bent stressed the interconnectedness of democracy, good governance, and national development. She called for the strengthening of institutions to eradicate corruption and urged transparency, the rule of law, and active public engagement in governance processes.
Senator Bent also championed the inclusion of women in political leadership, asserting that any nation that excludes women from decision-making is hindering its own progress.
Nollywood stars Bimbo Akintola and Woli Arole added their voices to the discussions, urging African leaders to focus on the well-being of citizens. They encouraged leaders to prioritise people-centred policies and to foster unity between governments and the public.
Let there be unity among African leaders and the citizens,” they remarked. “A lot will be achieved when there’s unity, security, and peace…If we Africans unite as one, there’s nothing we can’t achieve. The moment the leaders begin to think about the people and carry them along in all their activities, the more patriotic the people become in playing their roles of national development.”
The symposium was organised by the United Nations International Peace and Governance Council (UNIPGC) under the theme “Adaptive Leadership and Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanisms for Consolidating Peaceful Coexistence in Africa.” It brought together a wide array of influential figures, including a representative of Burkina Faso’s President Ibrahim Traore, Ivorian presidential hopeful Ousmane Camara, Ambassador Carlos Sousa of UNIPGC Canada, Dr Jonathan—UNIPGC’s second global president and permanent representative to the United Nations—and Professor Roland Otaru.
Attendees included African heads of state, policymakers, business and religious leaders, as well as civil society representatives. The event featured the induction of new UNIPGC council members, insightful lectures, awards presentations, and cultural performances, all aimed at promoting unity, peace, and sustainable development on the continent.
