Nobel Laureate, Ramos-Horta Tasks Nigerians on Significance of Sustained Dialogue for Mutual, Progressive Compromises in the Interest of the Nation 

Nobel Laureate and Former President of Timor-Leste, José Ramos-Horta has tasked Nigerians on significance of sustained dialogue for mutual, and progressive compromises in the interest of Nigeria for good governance.

He made this charge during the presentation of a book at Chrisland University, Abeokuta on Tuesday which was held at the University Auditorium.

The book was written by a former retired United Nations official and Head of Chrisland University's Departments of Political Science and International Relations, Prof Babafemi Badejo.

While discussing some excerpts in the book titled “Nigerians’ Views on National Turmoil: A Situational Quadruple Nexus Analysis”, the Nobel laureate noted that the book rightly pointed out how Nigeria could maximize her significant progress in selected economic sectors like creative and  tech industries to build on some major wins.

According to him, Nigerian government and the people are a leading bunch on the African continent, adding that they possess all it takes to achieve significance progress and development.

The Nobel Laureate emphasized that the book has reiterated that Nigeria must continue to ask questions on what ideas and solutions must be pursued for governance to serve its essence. 

Other lead discussants were unanimous in their submission on corruption as a bane on national development, noting that every country is faced with this challenge in their respective journeys of nation building and development.

The lead discussants, Prof. Olawale Albert, Prof. Steven Commins, Prof. Adele Jinadu, Dr. Olubukola Adesina, Dr. Chukwuemeka Eze, and Dr. Temitope Bello underscored that the book touches on very critical issues on the elusiveness of peace and security, failure in delivering with respect to development, human rights and actions for humanitarianism in Nigeria. 

Prof. Albert donated three books in relations to youth empowerment, crises management and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) to the University.

In her remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mrs. Chinedum Peace Babalola, FAS revealed that the exciting aspect of the book was how the author, Prof. Babafemi Badejo extends his argument that the four–pillar interlinkages or quadruple nexus are to be joined by including the four situational foundations, which include; governance, external dynamics, institutions, and resources.

On behalf of the Chancellor, High Chief Dr. (Mrs.) Winifred Awosika, our Board of Trustees, Governing Council and the Senate, she appreciated His Excellency José Ramos-Horta for choosing to speak at Chrisland University, adding that it was the very first time a former President and Nobel Laureate for Peace will be addressing a very pertinent issue of peace in Nigeria and beyond, at a Nigerian/African University.

In his own remark, the author of the book who is also the first Professor of Chrisland University, Prof. Babafemi Badejo stressed that Nigerians needs to strive towards the attainment of Utmost Freedom, a utopian but pursuable state that is best described as “Paradise on Earth”, characterized by multiple freedoms from threats to quality of life and freedom to access a lot of opportunities that make for a good life. 

According to him, the book has benefitted from these experiences as well as constant brainstorming with family and friends.

“Between August 2020 and March 2021, I joined three other Consultants, including Prof. Commins on an assignment for the UN Economic Commission for Africa. I had the opportunity of building on the idea of a Situational Quadruple Nexus (SQN) approach that I had first used at a presentation under the auspices of UNESCO.”

While appreciating the Chancellor, High Chief Dr. Mrs. Winifred Awosika, OON for her vision in making the gathering possible, he equally commended the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mrs. Chinedum Peace Babalola for her ever-inspiring bundle of positive ideas.

The book titled “Nigerians’ Views on National Turmoil: A Situational Quadruple Nexus Analysis”, is in four chapters. Chapter One is an Introduction to using SQN to understand conflicts in Nigeria. The chapter documents the horrendous waste of lives in Nigeria under levels of government (in particular Federal and State) that are unable to provide the basic expectation of security for citizens as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria. Chapter 2, Section 14 (2) (b) states: the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government: and (c) the participation by the people in their government shall be ensured in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution. Chapter Three contains the meat. A survey on the views of 207 informed Nigerians from all over the country on SQN. Chapter Four constitutes the author’s concluding remarks on wide ranging matters arising from his analysis of the previous chapters.