Institute Challenges Nigerians On Nation’s Economic Growth

The African School of Diplomacy and International Relations (ASDIR) has stated that concerted efforts from all parties are required to create significant economic progress in Nigeria, stating that without this, the country’s economy will continue to struggle.

The advice was given by Dr Tunji Asaolu, Vice-Chairman/CEO of ASDIR, at the school’s 2023 annual public lecture series, induction, and conferment of honorary doctorate degree ceremony in Abuja.

Asaolu, who is also the Deputy Secretary-General, of African Affairs, International Society of Diplomats (ISD), stated that the call has become critical to ensure the country’s long-term progress.

The theme of the third edition was “The Political Economy of Nation Building: The World’s Unfinished Business.”

“We looked at perceived gaps in terms of economic crisis to chart a way forward to support government efforts to achieve its purpose of representing the people,” Asaolu added.

“Critically, we looked at some ways we can be of help in terms of recommending solutions to perceived economic challenges. Then we came up with a topic centered on the political economy of nation-building.

“We considered this topic as unfinished business because we will continue to be experiencing economic challenges if all hands are not on deck to tackle issues bordering inequality, socioeconomic crisis, poverty and insecurity.”

He explained that the honourary degrees and fellowship awards were carefully conferred on specific persons based on their proven track record of excellence in society.

He mentioned that the awards, which cut across various fields of endeavour, were conferred through collaboration with Queens University Belfast, United Kingdom, which has the right of conferment.

In his remarks, Prof. Jonathan Aremu, Chairman of, Governing Board of ASDIR, said the programme is apt because it will help to boost the capacity of citizens in the area of diplomacy.

He said: “This programme has become necessary for diplomats like those inducted today, to enable them to develop the know-how about best practices and to collaborate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on diplomacy.

“What the school is doing is to position the graduands to contribute meaningfully to government efforts centered on diplomatic activities and ensure Nigeria performs excellently, among the committee of developed nations.

“Countries must abide by ratified international relations, therefore, this ASDIR initiative is to enable Nigerians imbibe international best practices and concepts of diplomacy.”

The keynote speaker Prof. Mkpa Agu Mkpa, former Vice-Chancellor of Abia State University, Uturu, described knowledge sharing about diplomacy as apt, saying it will enable people to tackle challenges collectively.

According to him, a society that has a sound diplomacy inculcated into its leadership will not experience many conflicts.

“Wherever there is a breakdown of law and order, whenever there is conflict, the first thing people consider is the breakdown of diplomacy.

“So what ASDIR is doing for Nigeria is a very key role in bringing peace to this country.

“All over the world, diplomacy is rated as the number one tool to advocate peace wherever there is conflict,” Mkpa said.

The high point of the event was the conferment of 10 honorary fellowships, the award of 10 honorary doctorate degrees to distinguished personalities, and the induction of 40 persons into the ASDIR.

The event was chaired by Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele, Majority Leader of the 10th Senate, represented by Dr Sadiyat Adepoju.

It attracted dignitaries including Rev. Sam Oye, Founder/Lead Pastor of the Transformation Church, and Dr Temitope Enitan-Ogunwusi, Wife of the Ooni of Ife, as awardees among others.