Stakeholders wants African leaders to be more responsible  

African leaders have been advised to see themselves as leaders in the true sense of it and not merely receivers of power for the attainment of peace and economic growth in the continent. 

Dr Farzam Kamalabadi of the Future Trends Group, Dubai, gave the advice at the 8th United Nations PanAfrican Leadership Symposium and Honours organised by the United Nation International Peace and Governance Council (UNIPGC) in Abuja.

The high level peace and reconciliation dialogue with the themed “the role of inclusive governance towards consolidating peaceful co-existence in Africa” is in commemoration of the United Nations World Humanitarian Day.

Dr. Kamalabadi urged African leaders to be accountable and committed in peace building and in changing the dynamics and expectations of the people of Africa. 

According to him, Africa’s rise depends on her collective wealth and for Africa to rise and become a force to be reckoned with, it must converge its assets to become the world power where other blocs come to get power.

The Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry of  Zambia, Mr Chipoka Mulenga said the media must be alive to its responsibilities to market Africa positively to the world and charged Africans to jettison the desire for Western products other than their own.

Mr Mulenga, who dwelt on how inclusive governance promotes peace, investment and economic stability, noted that there will be no economic growth without peace and unity in the continent. 

He said “What we are looking for is economic revival, recoveries and enhancement for Africa. 

Despite the challenges, Africa is arising,  if we have to achieve economic prosperity we need to work together, we need to be transparent and tolerant. And to achieve this, we need to have peace and stability within the region.

We want to see a unified Africa where we can do business together. Let’s speak more about what is bringing us together”.

Also, Head of Mission (UNIPGC) Africa, Dr. Jonathan Ojadah, said the meeting was convened to elaborate on leadership, sustainable peace , education, inclusive governance, conflict resolution and alternative dispute resolution.

Humanitarian peace awards were given to individuals who have persevered in upholding Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to motivate them and also saddle them with the responsibility of fostering and implementing peaceful dialogue in the African continent.