OPENING REMARKS BY PROFESSOR TUNJI JOHN ASAOLU DURING THE AFRICAN UNION AGENDA 2063 SECURITY SYMPOSIUM IN ABUJA ON 20^TH JUNE, 2025.

Protocols: Honorable dignitaries, esteemed guests, and ladies and Gentlemen present here today,

I would like to begin by welcoming and acknowledging the distinguished individuals gathered in this room, whose commitment to the well-being of our nation inspires us all. Let me extend my heartfelt

appreciation to the AU Strategy and Risk Management Committee led by Amb. Dr. Mustapha Adeolu for convening such a timely and important gathering. The relevance of our discussions today could not be overstated.

Emphasizing Agenda 2063

Ladies and Gentlemen, it is paramount to emphasize that our organization is committed to promoting the African Union's Agenda 2063. In this Agenda, specifically, Aspiration Number 4 highlights the need for a peaceful and secure Africa. This ambition underpins
he various peace and security architectures of the African Union, and it is incumbent upon Nigeria to observe and implement these frameworks diligently. The framework is to shape policies that promote peace, security, and stability across the continent.

Also, to reflect on the African Union's theme for the year 2020 which was "Silencing the Guns: Creating Conducive Conditions for Africa's Development". This theme was part of the broader "Silencing the Guns by 2020" initiative, aiming to end all wars and conflicts on the continent by the end of that year.
The initiative also emphasized creating conditions that would foster Africa's development, which is fundamentally linked to peace and security but rather than the guns to be silenced, it becomes even more lauder.

The question now is for how
long will we continue to wake up to news of lives lost to terrorism,
kidnapping, and banditry? How many more families must endure the tormenting grief of losing loved ones to violence?

Recent Tragedies

We have faced numerous tragedies across our nation recently — from the heartbreaking incidents in Benue and Plateau to the devastating attacks in Imo and Bonn and Zamfara. Each story of loss serves as a stark reminder of our reality.

We must acknowledge the pain, trauma, and displacement inflicted upon thousands of innocent Nigerians, whose everyday lives have been turned upside down. This anguish is not just felt in isolated regions; it has spread like wildfire throughout our nation.

National Problem

Insecurity is no longer a regional problem; it’s a national crisis that threatens the fabric of our society. Nigeria’s peace, unity, and sanity have been under threat for far too long. Yes, we agreed that insecurity is not peculiar to Nigeria alone—indeed, many countries grapple with similar issues— but do we sit backand watch our beloved nation collapse under the weight of these crises?

Impact on Society

These atrocious crimes disrupt education, cripple food systems, deter investment, and derail democratic development. The repercussions are deeply felt, as our economy grapples with instability and uncertainty. Agricultural instability prevails due to unsafe rural communities, threatening our food security. We see youth radicalization emerge from despair, driving increased emigration and brain drain. Public trust in governance is eroded as citizens feel abandoned in the face of adversity, and so on and on.

Call to Stakeholders

In light of these challenges, I call upon all stakeholders present today and out there to let us engage in a multi-stakeholder approach from:

•      Traditional leaders, whose wisdom can guide local efforts.
•      Security agencies, who are on the front lines of our safety.
•      Civil society, which plays a crucial role in advocacy and support.
•      Local communities, whose insights are invaluable.
•      Policy think tanks, whose expertise can pave the way for effective strategies.

The time has come for us to seek healing and bring an end to the needless bloodshed that has gripped our nation. Therefore, let us unite in our resolve to implement effective strategies for conflict resolution, establish community-led safety nets, and strengthen our relationships with local and international partners committed to peace.
Together, we have the power to transform the narrative from one of despair to One of hope and resilience.

Way Forward

As we look to the future, let us reaffirm our faith in Agenda 2063 as a roadmap to “The Africa We Want.”
I urge everyone present to leave this gathering with clear action points, a renewed resolve, and concrete commitments to make Nigeria a land of hope and peace.Together, let us forge

Thank you for your attention, and let us work hand-in-hand towards a peaceful, secure, and prosperous Africa!a path to a safer, more secure Nigeria for all.

Thank you. God bless
Nigeria and God bless Africa

Amb. Prof. Tunji John ASAOLU,fidir, fimc, midpm

Professor of
Politics & International Studies,

Chairman of the Governing
Council,

African Union Agenda 2063
Ambassadorial Assembly